# A 78-year-old starts a new antihypertensive. During a supervised postural assessment, the nurse compares each standing measurement with the supine baseline. Click the earliest displayed standing measurement that meets the blood-pressure drop criterion for orthostatic hypotension.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581207&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Reduction of Risk Potential  
> category: ROR

## Question

A 78-year-old starts a new antihypertensive. During a supervised postural assessment, the nurse compares each standing measurement with the supine baseline. Click the earliest displayed standing measurement that meets the blood-pressure drop criterion for orthostatic hypotension.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR544.svg)

## Explanation

D shows a 22-mm Hg systolic and 12-mm Hg diastolic fall from the supine baseline.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
D. D shows a 22-mm Hg systolic and 12-mm Hg diastolic fall from the supine baseline.
Why this is the best choice
The supine value is 154/88. Subtract each standing value from this baseline rather than comparing only adjacent points. At three minutes, 154 minus 132 is 22 and 88 minus 76 is 12, meeting the blood-pressure criteria. There are no symptoms requiring an earlier stop in this fictional record.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Compare standing pressure with supine baseline and consider symptoms at every check.
Decision rule
Compare standing pressure with supine baseline and consider symptoms at every check.
Why the other regions do not fit
A is the reference, not a standing result. B falls 10/4 mm Hg. C falls 16/6 mm Hg. Neither B nor C meets the 20-systolic or 10-diastolic drop threshold.
**Sources**
- The assessment compares supine with standing measurements; a fall of at least 20 systolic or 10 diastolic is abnormal.

## Key concepts

- **Postural change relative to supine baseline** — Compare standing pressure with supine baseline and consider symptoms at every check.
- **Comparison with context** — C is lower than baseline but the numerical fall has not yet reached the criterion.

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