At admission mrs fulchers blood pressure was 17248 mm

furosemide (Lasix), amlodipine (Norvasc), and metoprolol (Lopressor). At admission, Mrs.
Fulcher’s blood pressure was 172/48 mm Hg (supine) and 100/40 mm Hg (sitting), her pulse was
116, respirations were 20, and her temperature was 101.9°F. Additional assessment findings
included a murmur; 2+ pitting tibial edema; no peripheral cyanosis; lungs sounds clear bilateral;
orientation to person, place, and time but drowsiness; hematuria; and multiple petechiae on the
skin of her arms, legs, and chest.
• What is the significance of the orthostatic hypotension, the wide pulse
pressure, and tachycardia?
⁃ Her blood vessels were already narrow so any change could cause
her to fall out because her blood pressure wouldn’t be able to stabilize quickly
enough with thrombi in her vessels. Her wide pulse pressure is higher because the
heart is working harder because of the infection and weakening of the valves
which is causing stress on her heart therefore causing a high heart rate to make up
for the low blood pressure.
• What is the significance of the hematuria, joint pain, and petechiae?