What should rescuers do after reviving a pregnant woman during CPR?

Study for the Basic Life Support Instructor Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Placing a pregnant woman on her left side after reviving her during CPR is crucial for several reasons. This position helps improve blood flow to both the mother and the fetus by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. When a pregnant woman lies flat on her back, especially in later stages of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus can compress this vein, potentially leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the baby's vital organs and the mother's brain.

By positioning her on her left side, rescuers facilitate optimal circulation and respiratory function. This lateral position is also known to help prevent potential complications that could arise from supine hypotensive syndrome, which can occur when the growing uterus restricts blood flow.

In contrast, leaving her in a flat position could compromise her own circulation, as well as that of her unborn child. Carrying her immediately to the hospital allows for professional medical assistance, but ensuring she is stabilized and receiving proper blood flow is a priority before moving her. Assisting her to sit up straight, while potentially comfortable, does not provide the necessary physiological benefits of the left side-lying position. Thus, placing her on the left side is the most

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