National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

When a patient on furosemide is undergoing aquatic therapy, what condition should the therapist monitor closely?

1. Muscle cramping

2. Orthostatic hypotension

3. Bradycardia

4. Heat intolerance

The correct answer is: Orthostatic hypotension

In individuals taking furosemide, monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is particularly crucial during aquatic therapy. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and can lead to a significant reduction in blood volume. This can cause a drop in blood pressure, especially when a patient transitions from a supine or sitting position to standing, or when moving around in an aquatic environment. Aquatic therapy is often conducted in a buoyant environment where patients experience reduced weight-bearing stress, and this can alter cardiovascular dynamics. The transition from water to land or rapid position changes may further exacerbate the potential for orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. Therefore, vigilant monitoring of the patient's blood pressure during therapy is essential to ensure safety and prevent falls or other complications associated with low blood pressure. This makes it important to watch for symptoms indicative of orthostatic changes during treatment.