The nurse caring for a pregnant patient knows that her health teaching regarding fetal circulation has been effective when the patient reports that she has been sleeping:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sleeping in a side-lying position, particularly on the left side, improves fetal circulation by reducing pressure on the vena cava, which is the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the lower body. This position increases blood flow to the placenta, improving fetal oxygenation and nutrient delivery. Sleeping on the back with a pillow under the knees or with the head of the bed elevated can help to alleviate heartburn and promote comfortable sleep but does not affect fetal circulation. Sleeping on the abdomen is not recommended during pregnancy as it can put pressure on the uterus and restrict blood flow to the fetus.

The Nurse Caring for a Pregnant Patient Knows That Her