College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

A patient in a prone position complains of a headache and dizziness that worsens when turned supine. What is the most appropriate next step for the therapist?

1. Administer pain relief medication

2. Modify the treatment plan immediately

3. Take blood pressure

4. Position the patient back to prone

The correct answer is: Take blood pressure

In this situation, where the patient experiences a headache and dizziness that worsens upon changing position, it is essential to first assess the patient's vital signs, particularly blood pressure. Elevated or decreased blood pressure can help identify any cardiovascular issues that might be contributing to the patient's symptoms. For instance, orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when a person moves from lying down to standing or sitting, could be responsible for the dizziness experienced when the patient is turned supine. Measuring blood pressure in different positions can provide valuable information for tailoring the treatment appropriately and ensuring patient safety. Other options may not address the immediate need to understand the patient's condition. Administering pain relief medication would not be an appropriate first step without a clear understanding of the underlying cause of the headache and dizziness. Modifying the treatment plan without this critical assessment may lead to decisions that do not adequately address the patient's symptoms. Similarly, placing the patient back in a prone position might take away the discomfort but does not address the potential underlying issues causing those discomforts. Hence, checking the blood pressure is the most appropriate and immediate action to inform further steps in the management of the patient’s condition.