The laboring client is experiencing dyspnea, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hypotension while lying on her back. Which intervention should the nurse implement immediately?

When the laboring client lies flat on her back, the gravid uterus completely occludes the inferior vena cava and laterally displaces the subrenal aorta. This aortocaval compression reduces maternal cardiac output, producing dyspnea, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hypotension. Other symptoms include air hunger, nausea, and weakness. A left side-lying position decreases aortocaval compression. Lying on the right side increases aortocaval compression. Notifying the obstetrician is not the first intervention. The obstetrician would be notified if symptoms are not relieved by a left side-lying position. Applying oxygen may be needed, but first the client should be placed left side-lying.