During CPR in a pregnant patient, which modification is recommended?

During CPR in a pregnant patient, which modification is recommended?

• A. Displace uterus to the left and perform compressions slightly higher on the sternum
• B. Perform standard CPR without modification
• C. Place hands on the left side of the chest only
• D. Stop CPR to assess rhythm every 30 seconds

Answer: (A)

When a pregnant patient is in cardiac arrest, the enlarged uterus can press on the major blood vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava) when lying flat, which reduces return of blood to the heart and makes chest compressions less effective. The recommended modification is to displace the uterus to the left. This manual left uterine displacement relieves that compression, improving venous return and allowing CPR to work better. Because the uterus pushes the heart upward and to the left, positioning the hands slightly higher on the sternum helps ensure the heart itself is being compressed rather than the chest wall, maintaining effective chest compressions. This combination specifically addresses the anatomic shifts in pregnancy to optimize circulation during resuscitation.

When a pregnant patient is in cardiac arrest, the enlarged uterus can press on the major blood vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava) when lying flat, which reduces return of blood to the heart and makes chest compressions less effective. The recommended modification is to displace the uterus to the left. This manual left uterine displacement relieves that compression, improving venous return and allowing CPR to work better.

Because the uterus pushes the heart upward and to the left, positioning the hands slightly higher on the sternum helps ensure the heart itself is being compressed rather than the chest wall, maintaining effective chest compressions. This combination specifically addresses the anatomic shifts in pregnancy to optimize circulation during resuscitation.