The Importance of Vital Signs in a Patient with Asymptomatic Hypotensive Episodes: A Case Report

Background: Vital sign measurement is an important part of the physical therapy evaluation that includes taking each patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Taking these measurements and quickly assessing them allows a therapist to determine whether a patient is safe to participate in physical activity. Unfortunately, this is something that is often overlooked by many therapists. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to discuss the importance of taking vital signs with every patient, especially in the acute care setting. CaseDescription: An 84-year-old male presents to the ED after failing to return home multiple times over the last month and is given the diagnosis of failure to thrive and weakness. The patient has a history of falls and multiple comorbidities and recent difficulties with hypotension. Physical therapy was ordered to assess this patient’s mobility and to determine the safest discharge location. Outcomes: This patient struggled with hypotension throughout his hospital stay which initially limited his ability to participate in therapy. Many strategies were used to increase his blood pressure and monitor his symptoms throughout sessions to initiate functional strength and endurance training. Unfortunately, this patient suffered a fall while on a different floor in the hospital because extra precautions were not taken, despite his well-documented hypotension. Discussion: Vital signs are an important indication of an individual’s readiness to participate in therapy and should be taken with every patient. Further, there are currently no accepted guidelines that define hypotension. This case shows the risks associated with hypotension and the need for set guidelines and continues to stress the importance of taking vital signs with every patient.