Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What condition may develop if a patient remains sitting in a supine position for an extended time?

1. Cardiac arrest

2. Postural hypotension

3. Angina pectoris

4. Insulin shock

The correct answer is: Postural hypotension

When a patient remains in a supine position for an extended time, they may experience postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs due to a decrease in blood flow and blood pressure when the body changes positions, and prolonged immobility can exacerbate this effect. In the supine position, gravity's influence on blood circulation is minimized, but upon moving, blood may pool in the lower extremities, potentially leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting as the body struggles to adjust to the change in position. Other conditions listed, while serious in their own right, do not develop specifically due to maintaining a supine position. For instance, cardiac arrest could occur for various reasons unrelated to positioning, angina pectoris relates to cardiac ischemia, and insulin shock occurs due to hypoglycemia. Thus, postural hypotension most directly correlates with remaining in a supine position for an extended time.