To manage supine hypotensive syndrome, the patient should be placed in which position?

The left lateral recumbent position is the correct choice for managing supine hypotensive syndrome, particularly in pregnant patients. In this condition, the pressure from the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, especially when the patient is lying flat on their back (supine). This compression can reduce blood return to the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output and hypotension.

By placing the patient in the left lateral recumbent position, the uterus is shifted away from the inferior vena cava, facilitating improved venous return to the heart. This position helps alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, thereby enhancing blood flow and improving the patient’s blood pressure. This is particularly crucial in managing the symptoms associated with supine hypotensive syndrome.

Other positions, such as supine (lying flat) and prone (lying face down), would not alleviate the pressure on the inferior vena cava. The right lateral decubitus position may also relieve some pressure but is less effective than the left lateral recumbent position, which is preferred for optimizing hemodynamics in this scenario.