Final answer:
To treat a pregnant patient in active labor experiencing shock symptoms, the patient should be placed in the left lateral tilt position by putting a rolled blanket under the left hip. This relieves pressure from the uterus on the inferior vena cava, aiding in preventing reduced venous return and improving shock symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to treat a pregnant patient in active labor who is lying on her back and experiencing signs and symptoms of shock is to place a rolled blanket under her left hip to displace the uterus. This is often referred to as the left lateral tilt or left lateral position and is meant to relieve pressure from the gravid uterus on the inferior vena cava.
When the inferior vena cava is compressed, it can cause decreased venous return to the heart and lead to a drop in cardiac output, which may result in shock symptoms such as low blood pressure and an increased heart rate. By displacing the uterus, blood flow can return to normal, which could alleviate the shock symptoms. Elevating her legs or giving her fluids to drink are not the immediate best treatments in this case, and while keeping the patient warm is important, it does not directly address the cause of her shock symptoms.