A 36-year-old female is 39 weeks pregnant with contractions and bleeding. During transport, what is the priority given pale and diaphoretic skin?

• A. Assess her vital signs and time the contractions.
• B. Keep her warm and administer oxygen.
• C. Apply sterile dressings to control the hemorrhage.
• D. Place her supine and elevate her feet.

Answer: (B)

When a late-pregnancy patient is bleeding and appears pale and diaphoretic, the priority is to support circulation and oxygen delivery. The body shows signs of hypoperfusion, so giving oxygen helps ensure tissues receive enough oxygen despite blood loss, and keeping her warm minimizes heat loss and helps prevent worsening coagulopathy that can occur with hypothermia. In this situation, addressing breathing and circulation promptly is more critical than waiting to assess vitals or treat external bleeding with dressings, and positioning a late-pregnant patient supine can reduce venous return due to the uterus pressing on major vessels, which can worsen shock. Providing warmth and supplemental oxygen stabilizes the patient for transport and further evaluation.