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

A patient presents with blurred vision, dizziness, and weakness after standing up. What condition should the therapist monitor for?

1. Hypertension

2. Preeclampsia

3. Diabetes mellitus

4. Orthostatic hypotension

The correct answer is: Orthostatic hypotension

Blurred vision, dizziness, and weakness upon standing are classic symptoms associated with orthostatic hypotension, a condition where there is a significant drop in blood pressure when a person moves from a lying down or sitting position to standing. This decrease in blood pressure can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in the symptoms observed. When a patient stands up, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower body. Normally, the body compensates for this by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain blood flow to the brain. However, in cases of orthostatic hypotension, this compensatory mechanism is inadequate, leading to the symptoms described. It's crucial for therapists to monitor for this condition, especially in individuals who may be at risk due to factors such as dehydration, prolonged bed rest, certain medications, or other underlying health issues. While hypertension, preeclampsia, and diabetes mellitus can lead to various complications and symptoms, they are not specifically indicated by the combination of symptoms upon standing as orthostatic hypotension is. Hypertension typically involves high blood pressure readings without immediate symptoms upon standing. Preeclampsia typically occurs in pregnancy and involves high blood pressure and proteinuria, which do not align with the acute