Maternity Nursing Q 198
The nursing measure to relieve fetal distress due to maternal supine hypotension is:
A. Place the mother in semi-Fowler's position.
B. Put the mother on the left side-lying position.
C. Place mother on a knee-chest position.
D. Any of the above.
Correct Answer: B. Put the mother on left side-lying position.
When a pregnant woman lies in a supine position, the weight of the gravid uterus would be compressing on the vena cava against the vertebrae obstructing blood flow from the lower extremities. This causes a decrease in blood return to the heart and consequently immediate decreased cardiac output and hypotension. Hence, putting the mother on side-lying will relieve the pressure exerted by the gravid uterus on the vena cava.
Option A: Placing the pregnant woman in a Semi-Fowler’s position would still place the weight of the gravid uterus on the vena cava and obstruct the blood flow from the lower extremities.
Option C: A pregnant woman would be incapable to perform the knee-chest position due to her gravid belly. The primary treatment used for non-reassuring fetal status is intrauterine resuscitation. This will help prevent any unnecessary procedures.