When to reposition the pregnant mother. NCLEX tomorrow!

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I am trying to study for NCLEX and can't find many instances in my notes or the book where you would need to reposition the mother. Since OB was never my forte, I'm struggling to remember when it would be appropriate and what direction to position. I think it's always position to the left to relieve pressure. So far, I have this:

-purpose of lying on left lateral side is to increase uterine blood flow and decrease uterine activity

-If decels in FHR, position in left lateral position

-if mother lays on back, could enduce hypotension due to compression of vena cava and reduces blood flow to fetus. Will complain of lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. Reposition to a side-lying position, preferable to the left or semi-sitting with knees flexed.

That's all I have. If anyone has anything else to add to this, in addition to anything else I would need to know last minute for the NCLEX, I would greatly appreciate it as I take my NCLEX tomorrow morning!!

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correct left lateral recumbent position reduces pressure in the vena cava and increases oxygenation. sounds like you have all the bases covered.

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Good luck with the NCLEX! Keep us updated on how it was and how you did.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
correct left lateral recumbent position reduces pressure in the vena cava and increases oxygenation. sounds like you have all the bases covered.

This! look at the FHR monitor...early decels mirror the contraction, indicating head compression. no intervention is needed.

late decels mean the FHR drops after the onset of the contraction. this indicates uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) an here you would change mom's position OR stop the pitocin if it is infusing.

variable decels indicate cord compression and here you would definitely change mom's position because of what the others mentioned - it reduces pressure on the vena cava which increases blood flow to the placenta, therefore increasing oxygen to the fetus.

I realize you probably won't see this because you have taken your NCLEX already...let us know how you did!

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Thanks everyone! I took my NCLEX on Thursday 2/24: 75 questions with 7 of those being SATA questions. Our board of nursing must work fast or something because I checked under license verification portion of their website and it shows my name with my license number active as of 2/25 so apparently I passed! That was faster than the amount of time I would have had to wait for quick results lol. Also, the Pearson Vue trick worked for me. I am still waiting for the official word from the board, but that didn't stop me from celebrating last night! It has been a tremendous relief to have finally gotten through what I feel has been the biggest achievement towards my nursing career. Having actually graduated in May 2010 and having many issues with the school which inevitably led to a delayed official graduation date of December 2010 (long story...I hate my school), my confidence with taking the NCLEX was very minuscule. I felt like so much time had passed and the amount of knowledge I have now compared to May 2010 had significantly diminished...and so had my motivation.Two weeks ago was the first time since October that I had studied for the NCLEX. So apparently, I knew it better than I thought.

Now comes the hardest part: nursing practice.

For future reference, for those who may just so happen to search the boards and come across this thread with the same question in mind, remember the popular acronym VEAL CHOP.

FHR - Reason

Variable - Cord compression

Early - Head compression

Accels - Okay

Late - Placenta (Uteroplacental Insufficiency)

Refer to melosaur's post above this to resolve each issue.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Congratulations!!!!! :yeah::nurse:

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