A laboring woman is lying in the supine position.The most appropriate nursing action at this time is to:

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The woman's supine position may cause the heavy uterus to compress her inferior vena cava,thus reducing blood return to her heart and reducing placental blood flow.Elevating her legs will not relieve the pressure from the inferior vena cava.If the woman is allowed to stay in the supine position and blood flow to the placental is reduced significantly,fetal tachycardia may occur.The most appropriate nursing action is to prevent this from occurring by turning the woman to her side.Blood pressure readings may be obtained when the patient is in the appropriate and safest position.

A Laboring Woman Is Lying in the Supine Position