National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What condition is characterized by faintness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up?

1. Peripheral Neuropathy

2. Postural Hypotension

3. Photophobia

4. Photosensitivity

The correct answer is: Postural Hypotension

The condition characterized by faintness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up is postural hypotension. This phenomenon occurs when a person experiences a significant decrease in blood flow to the brain upon changing position, especially from sitting or lying down to standing. Normal physiological responses help to maintain blood pressure and blood flow to the brain during such movements. However, in postural hypotension, these mechanisms are inadequate, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. This condition can be especially common among individuals who are dehydrated, take certain medications, or have specific health conditions that affect blood pressure regulation. Understanding this condition is crucial, especially in the context of addiction counseling, because some individuals may experience postural hypotension as a side effect of withdrawal from substances, or as a consequence of medical complications related to substance use. Other options represent different conditions not related to the sudden drop in blood pressure when standing. For instance, peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage, usually causing weakness, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hands and feet, and it does not involve blood pressure changes. Photophobia is a sensitivity to light and does not describe a physiological reaction to changing body positions. Similarly, photosensitivity refers to an