You have been dispatched to a residence for a female patient who is dizzy and "passing out." An Emergency Medical Responder meets you at the door and reports that the patient is lying in bed and is nine months pregnant. Her pulse rate is 112 and her blood pressure is 84/50 mmHg. Respirations are 24 per minute and she has a room air pulse oximetry reading of 97%. Which one of the following should you do as soon as you reach the patient's side?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's low blood pressure and high pulse rate suggest that she may be experiencing hypovolemia or shock. Rolling her onto her side can help improve blood flow to the heart and brain and prevent aspiration in case she is vomiting or nauseous. This maneuver can provide immediate benefits to the patient and should be done before any further assessment or intervention. Rechecking the blood pressure may be indicated after the patient has been repositioned and stabilized. Determining any complications of the pregnancy can also be important but may not be immediately necessary in this critical situation. Starting positive pressure ventilation may not be indicated unless the patient's breathing becomes inadequate or compromised.

You Have Been Dispatched to a Residence for a Female