RN Exam Practice
Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 1007 of 2368

A client at 30 weeks of gestation reports dizziness, weakness, and nausea when lying flat on their back. Which teaching should the nurse give?

  1. Lie flat with the head of the bed lowered to improve blood flow.
  2. Limit fluid intake to reduce pressure on the blood vessels.
  3. Sleep and rest in a lateral position rather than flat on the back.
  4. Stay in bed until the symptoms stop completely.
Show answer

Correct answer: Sleep and rest in a lateral position rather than flat on the back.

The enlarged uterus presses on the vena cava after about 28 weeks. A lateral position relieves this pressure.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Antepartum Care: Dizziness and Syncope. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026