Chapter 19, Problem 5CCS

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A 62-year-old male astronaut Captain Fallowell spent the last 8 months in the international space station. During his first speaking engagement, the captain passed out in the middle of the speech. He is very alert and oriented man. His pulse rate was racing down during the speech and his blood pressure was recorded differently while he was lying down and standing. Captain’s reflexes were normal and there was no sign of associated head trauma.

The heart rate of the Captain was found at 85 beats per minute. His pulse was very weak and his blood pressure was recorded at 116/66 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) when he was lying down. His heart beats and blood pressure changed to the 112 beats per minute and 94/52 mm Hg, respectively, in the standing position. When he was standing, the captain encountered the blackouts and the dizziness.