Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

How can team members maximize the effectiveness of chest compressions for a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest?

1. Position the patient in a left lateral position

2. Position the patient sitting upright

3. Position the patient in the supine position with manual left uterine displacement

4. Position the patient face down

The correct answer is: Position the patient in the supine position with manual left uterine displacement

Maximizing the effectiveness of chest compressions for a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest involves key considerations related to both the position of the patient and the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Positioning the pregnant patient in the supine position with manual left uterine displacement is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the supine position is recommended for performing effective chest compressions, as it allows direct access to the heart and provides a stable surface for the rescuer. However, during pregnancy, especially after the 20th week, the weight of the uterus may compress major blood vessels, particularly the inferior vena cava, which can impede blood flow to the heart and reduce the effectiveness of CPR. This is where manual left uterine displacement becomes critical. By displacing the uterus to the left, the pressure on the inferior vena cava is alleviated, which helps restore venous return to the heart and improves the hemodynamic status of both the mother and the fetus. This action can enhance the efficacy of chest compressions, resulting in better perfusion and outcomes during resuscitation efforts. Therefore, positioning the patient in the supine position with manual left uterine displacement represents a best practice in this scenario, ensuring that chest compressions are performed effectively while mitigating