UWORLD -MATERNAL & CHILD NURSING.

UWORLD -MATERNAL & CHILD NURSING. Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the weight of the abdominal contents compresses the vena cava causing decreased venous return to the heart. This results in low cardiac output (maternal hypotension) and reflex tachycardia. Manifestations include dizziness, pallor, and cold and clammy skin. The client should be immediately repositioned onto the right or left side until the symptoms subside. Prevention of this condition includes using a wedge under the client's hip while in a supine position. (Option 1) Decreased maternal cardiac output can result in decreased placental blood flow and fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities. FHR assessment also follows after the client is placed in the right or left lateral position. (Option 2) When supine hypotension is suspected, the client should first be placed in a lateral position. Blood pressure and pulse are checked to confirm the diagnosis. Assessing lung and heart sounds is not a priority.