The nurse instructs a pregnant client (G2P1) to rest in a side-lying position and avoid lying flat on her back. 

The nurse instructs a pregnant client (G2P1) to rest in a side-lying position and avoid lying flat on her back. 

The nurse explains that this is to avoid “vena caval syndrome,” a condition which:
A . Occurs when blood pressure increases sharply with changes in position
B . Results when blood flow from the extremities is blocked or slowed
C . Is seen mainly in first pregnancies
D . May require medication if positioning does not help

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

(A) Blood pressure changes are predominantly due to pressure of the gravid uterus.

(B) Pressure of the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava decreases blood return from lower extremities.

(C) Inferior vena cava syndrome is experienced in the latter months of pregnancy regardless of parity.

(D) There are no medications useful in the treatment of interior vena cava syndrome; alleviating pressure by position changes is effective.