Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What symptoms may indicate a patient is intolerant to being upright on a tilt table?

1. Headaches and fatigue

2. Dizziness, nausea, and syncope

3. Chest pain and discomfort

4. Shortness of breath and sweating

The correct answer is: Dizziness, nausea, and syncope

Tilt table testing is often used to evaluate a patient's ability to tolerate being upright, especially in cases where they may experience issues with cardiovascular stability or orthostatic hypotension. Being upright can alter blood flow and pressure, which may lead to certain physiological responses. When someone is intolerant to being upright on a tilt table, symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and syncope (fainting) are particularly indicative. Dizziness often occurs due to a decrease in cerebral blood flow as a person stands up, which can trigger a sensation of lightheadedness. Nausea can arise from a combination of altered blood flow and anxiety associated with the sensation of fainting. Syncope represents a more severe reaction where blood pressure falls significantly, leading the patient to lose consciousness. These symptoms collectively suggest that the cardiovascular system is struggling to maintain adequate blood flow when the patient is in an upright position. Recognizing these signs is crucial for therapists to facilitate appropriate interventions, ensuring patient safety and comfort during the tilt table test. In contrast, the other options may describe symptoms that could arise from different conditions or issues but are less specific to intolerance when being upright in this particular setting. Headaches and fatigue, chest pain discomfort, and shortness of breath and sweating could