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Question 1 of 30

You are called to assist a pregnant female in the 24th week gestation period according to her due date. The pale 26-year-old patient is found supine in bed, complaining of dizziness/weakness with extreme nausea. The patient denies vaginal bleeding, amniotic fluid leakage, or abdominal pain. There are no signs of imminent birth or active labor. She reports receiving normal prenatal care with no associated problems found during the pregnancy. Her heart rate is 126-130 beats per minute; her blood pressure is 80 mmHg systolic while her skin is cool and pale. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause the patient's presentation?

Rationale:
Supine hypotension is the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms. Supine hypotension occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava in the supine position, reducing venous return and cardiac output, causing dizziness, weakness, pallor, tachycardia, and hypotension. The patient’s 24-week gestation, cool pale skin, and low blood pressure without bleeding or labor signs align perfectly with this diagnosis. A: Uterine rupture would present with severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and fetal distress, which are absent here. B: Spontaneous abortion typically involves vaginal bleeding and cramping, symptoms the patient denies. D: Placenta previa causes painless vaginal bleeding, not hypotension or supine-position-related symptoms.