The nurse is auscultating fetal heart tones in a patient who is 37 weeks' gestation. While in a supine position, the patient states, "I'm getting lightheaded and dizzy, and I feel clammy." Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placing a wedge beneath the patient's right hip alleviates pressure from the inferior vena cava, which can be compressed by the gravid uterus in the supine position, leading to decreased venous return and symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness. This is known as supine hypotensive syndrome.

The Nurse Is Auscultating Fetal Heart Tones in a Patient