During CPR for a pregnant patient, what additional measure can trained rescuers perform?

During CPR for a pregnant patient, what additional measure can trained rescuers perform?

• A. Continuous lateral uterine displacement
• B. Place the mother in prone position
• C. Remove the fetus
• D. Withhold chest compressions

Answer: (A)

During CPR in a pregnant patient, especially after mid-pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the aorta and the inferior vena cava when the patient lies on her back. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers the effectiveness of chest compressions. The best measure trained rescuers can perform is continuous leftward displacement of the uterus, which relieves that compression and improves venous return and cardiac output during resuscitation. This small maneuver helps keep blood flow to vital organs while chest compressions continue. Placing the patient in a prone position isn’t appropriate during CPR, removing the fetus isn’t an action taken during resuscitation, and withholding chest compressions would defeat the purpose of CPR.

During CPR in a pregnant patient, especially after mid-pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the aorta and the inferior vena cava when the patient lies on her back. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers the effectiveness of chest compressions. The best measure trained rescuers can perform is continuous leftward displacement of the uterus, which relieves that compression and improves venous return and cardiac output during resuscitation. This small maneuver helps keep blood flow to vital organs while chest compressions continue. Placing the patient in a prone position isn’t appropriate during CPR, removing the fetus isn’t an action taken during resuscitation, and withholding chest compressions would defeat the purpose of CPR.