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Multiple Choice

What position is recommended for transporting a pregnant patient?

In late pregnancy, avoid lying flat on the back because the gravid uterus can press on the inferior vena cava, reducing return to the heart and placental perfusion. The best choice for transporting a pregnant patient is to position her on the left side (left lateral recumbent), which minimizes vena cava compression and improves both maternal blood pressure and fetal oxygen delivery. If a slight tilt helps, you can place a pillow or wedge to lift the right hip, enhancing the leftward tilt. Prone is not feasible, and while Fowler’s can aid breathing, it doesn’t relieve the vessel compression as effectively as the left lateral position.

In late pregnancy, avoid lying flat on the back because the gravid uterus can press on the inferior vena cava, reducing return to the heart and placental perfusion. The best choice for transporting a pregnant patient is to position her on the left side (left lateral recumbent), which minimizes vena cava compression and improves both maternal blood pressure and fetal oxygen delivery. If a slight tilt helps, you can place a pillow or wedge to lift the right hip, enhancing the leftward tilt. Prone is not feasible, and while Fowler’s can aid breathing, it doesn’t relieve the vessel compression as effectively as the left lateral position.