Question

A 35-year-old client who is 28 weeks pregnant is admitted for testing. After reading the nursing notes, which rationale best explains why a pregnant client should lie on her left side when resting or sleeping in the later stages of pregnancy?
a) To facilitate digestion.
b) To prevent development of fetal anomalies.
c) To prevent compression of the vena cava.
d) To facilitate bladder emptying.

Answer 1

Answer: To prevent compression of the vena cava.

Explanation: At later stages of pregnancy, there is an increase of the size of the uterus making it an abdominal organ. Lying on the back presses the weight of the uterus directly on the inferior vena cava thereby causing a reduction in venous return to the heart.