For edema related to vascular permeability, which body position is associated with increased cardiac output?

• A. Lateral recumbent
• B. Supine
• C. Prone
• D. Sitting

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how body position affects venous return to the heart and thus cardiac output. The left lateral recumbent position relieves pressure from the uterus (or abdominal contents) on the inferior vena cava, allowing more blood to return to the heart. This increases preload, boosts stroke volume, and raises cardiac output, which helps improve perfusion and can reduce edema-related fluid accumulation. In contrast, lying flat on the back, sitting, or being in other positions can worsen venous return by promoting vena cava compression or venous pooling, leading to lower cardiac output and potentially more edema symptoms. Prone is usually not practical in pregnancy and does not offer the same relief of IVC compression as the left lateral position.