A 30-year-old pregnant woman in her third trimester is involved in a motor vehicle collision and presents with hypotension, tachycardia, and abdominal pain. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention for this patient?
Assess the fetal heart rate using a Doppler.
Administer intravenous fluids to manage hypotension.
Provide high-flow oxygen to ensure adequate oxygenation for both mother and fetus.
Position the patient in the left lateral decubitus position.
The correct answer is to position the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. This position helps in relieving the pressure on the inferior vena cava from the gravid uterus, thereby improving venous return and cardiac output. While administering IV fluids is also important, it does not specifically address the unique anatomical and physiological changes in a pregnant patient. Oxygenation and assessing fetal heart rate are secondary but significant considerations.
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