National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What usually triggers postural hypotension?

1. Rapid changes in blood pressure

2. Excessive consumption of alcohol

3. Neuropathy

4. Drug interactions

The correct answer is: Rapid changes in blood pressure

Postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is commonly triggered by rapid changes in blood pressure that occur when a person moves from a lying down or sitting position to standing up. This condition is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. When the body changes position, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. Normally, the body compensates for this by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain. However, in individuals prone to postural hypotension, this compensatory mechanism can be impaired. Thus, rapid positional changes can exceed the body’s ability to adjust blood pressure adequately, resulting in a drop that can cause symptoms of hypotension. Other factors may contribute to the overall risk of postural hypotension, such as excessive alcohol consumption, complications from neuropathy, and certain drug interactions, but the immediate trigger remains the rapid transition that affects blood pressure dynamics.