What precaution should an occupational therapist observe for an older adult with medication-related orthostatic hypotension after a myocardial infarction?

Avoidance of activities that require sudden postural changes is essential for an older adult experiencing medication-related orthostatic hypotension, particularly after a myocardial infarction. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when a person's blood pressure drops significantly upon standing up, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and an increased risk of falls. After a myocardial infarction, the circulatory system may already be compromised, making this population particularly vulnerable.

Activities that involve sudden changes in posture, such as quickly standing up or transitioning from sitting to standing, can exacerbate this condition and lead to adverse outcomes. Therefore, taking precautions to minimize these movements is critical for safety and for promoting a stable cardiovascular response during rehabilitation.

The other options, while they may seem beneficial in other contexts, do not prioritize the immediate safety needs related to the physiological response of the older adult in question. Encouraging physical therapy without precautions could put the individual at risk, limiting fluid intake could lead to dehydration and exacerbate blood pressure issues, and increasing dietary sodium must be approached cautiously as it can have other detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.