4.11 Nursing Care for Maternal Hypotension in the Obstetric Patient

a. Position the patient on her left side.

This relieves uterine pressure on the inferior vena cava and iliac veins and it increases oxygen supply to the fetus.

b. Administer oxygen per facemask, usually at 5 to 8 liters/minutes, as ordered.

c. Elevate the patient’s legs.

d. Stay with the patient, do not leave her unattended.

e. Notify the Charge Nurse or physician immediately.

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