A pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded when lying flat on her back.
What is the nurse's best response?
A pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded when lying flat on her back.
What is the nurse's best response?
A. “This is likely due to low blood sugar. Try eating a snack before lying down.”
[2%]
B. “You may be dehydrated. Try increasing your fluid intake.”
[3%]
C. “This happens because the uterus compresses a major blood vessel; try lying on your side.”
[91%]
D. “That’s unusual. We will need to run some cardiac tests immediately.”
[3%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Antepartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Related Topic
Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice C is correct. In the third trimester, the enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava when the client lies supine, leading to decreased venous return, hypotension, and symptoms like dizziness. Lying on the left side relieves this pressure and restores blood flow.
Choice A is incorrect. While hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, the specific trigger, lying flat, points to a positional issue, not a nutritional one. This explanation diverts attention from the real cause.
Choice B is incorrect. Dehydration can contribute to hypotension, but positional hypotension caused by vena cava compression is the most likely explanation in a pregnant person who experiences symptoms only when lying down.
Choice D is incorrect. Cardiac evaluation may be warranted if symptoms are persistent or unrelated to position, but in this scenario, the cause is predictable and common in pregnancy and does not warrant emergent cardiac testing.
Learning Objective
Describe common cardiovascular changes in pregnancy and appropriate nursing responses to related symptoms.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
3rd Trimester
28.1 Pregnancy Basics & Early Assessment
Additional Info
✓ Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output.
✓ Common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and hypotension when lying flat.
✓ Left lateral positioning relieves pressure on the vena cava and improves maternal cardiac output and fetal perfusion.
✓ Education about positional changes helps prevent maternal hypotension and fetal hypoxia.
✓ This condition is common and benign when promptly recognized and corrected.
