Symptoms of vena cava compression in a pregnant trauma patient include

• A. Tachycardia and hypotension
• B. Tachypnea and hyperglycemia
• C. Bradycardia and hypertension
• D. Cough and chest pain

Answer: (A)

Vena cava compression from the enlarging uterus in late pregnancy reduces venous return to the heart when the patient lies supine. That drop in preload lowers cardiac output, and the body responds with tachycardia while blood pressure falls (hypotension). These hemodynamic changes are the hallmark signs of vena cava compression in a pregnant trauma patient. Relieve the compression by placing the patient in a left lateral tilt to shift the uterus away from the inferior vena cava, thereby improving venous return and stabilizing both mother and fetus. In trauma care, continue to manage airway, breathing, circulation, monitor vitals closely, and act to optimize perfusion.

The other options don’t fit this pattern: tachypnea and hyperglycemia aren’t specific to vena cava compression, bradycardia with hypertension is the opposite of the expected response, and cough with chest pain points to chest or pulmonary issues rather than IVC compression from the uterus.