What it means
The superior vena cava brings blood from the head, neck and arms; the inferior vena cava, the body's largest vein, brings blood from the lower body. Both empty into the right atrium. Central lines are placed with their tip in or near the superior vena cava. Late in pregnancy, lying flat on the back lets the heavy uterus press on the inferior vena cava, which can drop the blood pressure.
For the nurse
Position a pregnant client on her left side, or with a wedge under the right hip, to keep the uterus off the vena cava.
At a glance
| Spanish | vena cava |
|---|---|
| Also written | venae cavae |
Related terms
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
atrial
Relating to an atrium, one of the two upper chambers of the heart.
phleb/o
A word root that means vein; ven/o means the same.
cardiovascular system
The heart and blood vessels, which together move blood through the body.