A woman is in her third trimester and is positioned toward a right-handed clinician so that the mandibular linguals may be seen with direct vision. Suddenly, the client begins sweating and reports feeling weak and nauseated. The clinician takes her blood pressure and finds that it is very low. What could be happening and what should the clinician do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a semireclined or supine position, the enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava. This interferes with venous return, causing postural hypotension, also known as supine hypotensive syndrome. Symptoms may include an abrupt fall in blood pressure, bradycardia, sweating, nausea, weakness, and air hunger, which may cause a decrease in cardiac output, and, if prolonged, eventual loss of consciousness. Placing the pregnant woman on her left side and in a semisupine position while she receives dental hygiene care removes pressure on the vena cava, which allows blood to return from the lower extremities and pelvic area. The patient should be placed on her left side to reduce the pressure on the inferior vena cava. The patient's head should be lowered not elevated. Although hypotensive syndrome is also the correct answer for what is occurring, the patient's head should be lowered not elevated.

A Woman Is in Her Third Trimester and Is Positioned