FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What condition might a pregnant woman experience if she feels faint when lying flat on her back?

1. Adrenal insufficiency

2. Orthostatic hypotension

3. Supine hypotensive syndrome

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Supine hypotensive syndrome

Feeling faint when lying flat on her back during pregnancy may indicate supine hypotensive syndrome. This condition occurs when the weight of the growing uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, a large vein responsible for returning blood from the lower body to the heart. When the inferior vena cava is compressed, it can lead to decreased venous return, resulting in reduced cardiac output and subsequently causing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Supine hypotensive syndrome often occurs when a pregnant woman is in a supine position during the later stages of pregnancy. It typically resolves with the woman changing her position, often by lying on her side, which alleviates the pressure on the inferior vena cava and restores normal blood flow. Other conditions mentioned might have overlapping symptoms but are less likely to be the direct cause of feeling faint in this specific scenario. Adrenal insufficiency usually presents with different systemic symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and hypotension due to a lack of adrenal hormones. Orthostatic hypotension typically occurs when standing up from a seated or supine position, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, not specifically due to lying flat. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, which can cause dizziness but would not be