The nurse is listening to the fetal heart tones of a patient at 37 weeks' gestation while the patient is in a supine position. The patient states, "I'm getting lightheaded and dizzy." The best action by the nurse is to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness may indicate supine hypotensive syndrome, which can occur when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava in a supine position. Turning the patient onto her side can relieve this compression and improve blood flow to the fetus and maternal organs. Assisting the patient to sit up may not be appropriate if she is feeling lightheaded and dizzy, and reminding her to lie still may not address the issue of supine hypotensive syndrome. Checking the patient's blood pressure may be indicated, but turning the patient onto her side is the most immediate and effective action to address her symptoms.

The Nurse Is Listening to the Fetal Heart Tones of a Patient