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

Optimal circulation is achieved when the woman is lying at rest on her side.Decreased uterine circulation may lead to intrauterine growth restriction.Previously it was believed that the left lateral position promoted maternal cardiac output,enhancing blood flow to the fetus.However,it is now known that the side-lying position enhances uteroplacental blood flow.If a woman lies on her back with the pressure of the uterus compressing the vena cava,blood return to the right atrium is diminished.Although having the head of the bed elevated is recommended and ideal for later in pregnancy,the woman still must maintain a lateral tilt to the pelvis to avoid compression of the vena cava.Many women find lying on her abdomen uncomfortable as pregnancy advances.Side-lying is the ideal position to promote blood flow to the fetus.

The Nurse Caring for a Pregnant Patient Knows That Her