For orthostatic hypotension assessment, the patient should first rest in which position to obtain baseline vitals?

• A. Standing
• B. Seated
• C. Supine
• D. Prone

Answer: (C)

Taking baseline vitals in a supine position is best because lying flat minimizes the effects of gravity on blood pooling and venous return. When you’re supine, the heart receives a more stable preload, so blood pressure and heart rate reflect the resting state rather than postural changes. This stable baseline is essential for accurately detecting how much the blood pressure drops when the patient stands. After establishing the supine baseline, you would then assess with the patient standing to see the orthostatic change. Other positions, like standing or seated, are used for the test itself or if lying down isn’t possible, but they don’t provide the stable baseline that supine does.