While the vital signs of a pregnant client in her third trimester are being assessed, the client complains of feeling faint, dizzy, and agitated. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
A) Have the client stand up and retake her blood pressure.
B) Have the client sit down and hold her arm in a dependent position.
C) Have the client turn to her left side and recheck her blood pressure in 5 minutes.
D) Have the client lie supine for 5 minutes and recheck her blood pressure on both arms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blood pressure is affected by positions during pregnancy. The supine position may cause occlusion of the vena cava and descending aorta. Turning the pregnant woman to a lateral recumbent position alleviates pressure on the blood vessels and quickly corrects supine hypotension. Pressures are significantly higher when the patient is standing. This would cause an increase in systolic and diastolic pressures. The arm should be supported at the same level of the heart. The supine position may cause occlusion of the vena cava and descending aorta, creating hypotension.

While the Vital Signs of a Pregnant Client in Her