How should you position a late-term pregnant patient who feels dizzy and faint?

How should you position a late-term pregnant patient who feels dizzy and faint?

• A. Supine with legs elevated
• B. On the left side with the right hip elevated 15°
• C. Standing upright
• D. Prone with cushions under the abdomen

Answer: (B)

When a late-term pregnant patient feels dizzy or faint, the goal is to improve venous return by relieving pressure from the uterus on the major blood vessels. In the third trimester, lying flat can press the uterus against the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing dizziness. Turning to the left side shifts the uterus off the vessels, which helps restore and stabilize blood flow. Adding a small tilt by elevating the right hip about 15 degrees can enhance this effect, further reducing any remaining compression while keeping the patient comfortable and not fully supine. Standing upright or lying prone would worsen or not alleviate the problem, and a supine position can worsen vena cava compression.

When a late-term pregnant patient feels dizzy or faint, the goal is to improve venous return by relieving pressure from the uterus on the major blood vessels. In the third trimester, lying flat can press the uterus against the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing dizziness. Turning to the left side shifts the uterus off the vessels, which helps restore and stabilize blood flow. Adding a small tilt by elevating the right hip about 15 degrees can enhance this effect, further reducing any remaining compression while keeping the patient comfortable and not fully supine. Standing upright or lying prone would worsen or not alleviate the problem, and a supine position can worsen vena cava compression.