Supine positioning during late-pregnancy hypotension
NCLEX-RN glossary · Health Promotion And Maintenance
Definition
A condition where the heavy uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and aorta when a pregnant client lies flat on their back.
Supine positioning during late-pregnancy hypotension in plain English
It leads to decreased venous return, maternal hypotension, and reduced placental perfusion, necessitating a lateral tilt or side-lying position. A common mistake is attempting to treat the hypotension with fluid boluses before correcting the maternal position to relieve vessel compression.
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