What is the appropriate action for a 39-week pregnant woman who is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless?

In the scenario of a 39-week pregnant woman who is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless, manually displacing her uterus to the left is crucial for improving venous return to the heart. During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, particularly when a woman is in a supine position. This compression can lead to decreased blood return to the heart and significantly impair circulation, which is critical in a situation where the woman is already experiencing cardiac arrest.

By manually displacing the uterus to the left, you alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, which can enhance blood flow to the heart and potentially restore effective cardiac function. This action is vital in resuscitation attempts and should be prioritized while also preparing for other necessary interventions, such as ventilating the patient or preparing for advanced life support.

Ensuring appropriate positioning and displacement of the uterus can improve the chances of successful resuscitation, highlighting the need for rapid and effective responses in emergency situations, particularly in pregnant patients.