What is an essential nursing assessment for a client with a history of vertigo?

Measuring blood pressure in sitting and standing positions is essential for a client with a history of vertigo because it helps identify orthostatic hypotension, a condition that can lead to dizziness and exacerbate vertigo symptoms. When a person stands up, their blood pressure may drop, leading to feelings of lightheadedness or vertigo. By assessing blood pressure in different positions, the nurse can determine if this may be a contributing factor to the client’s episodes of vertigo.

In contrast, while checking for respiratory distress, assessing blood glucose levels, and reviewing medication compliance are important nursing assessments for different conditions, they do not directly address the potential causes of vertigo or its exacerbation. Monitoring orthostatic blood pressure specifically targets the physiological changes that can impact a patient experiencing dizziness and assists in developing an effective care plan.