Final answer:
To relieve the effect of shock in a pregnant woman after an accident, place a small pillow under her left hip to prevent vena cava compression and closely monitor fetal heart rate and contractions to detect signs of fetal distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a pregnant woman is admitted to the emergency department in shock after an accident, the correct actions to help relieve the effect of shock would be placing a small pillow under her left hip and closely observing and documenting fetal heart rate and contractions. This corresponds to options c and d. Placing a pregnant woman in the Trendelenburg position or flat on her back in a supine position can exacerbate shock symptoms, especially during pregnancy, due to the pressure placed on the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus.
Placing a pillow under the left hip, known as the left lateral tilt, helps to alleviate the pressure on the inferior vena cava, which can improve circulation and fetal oxygenation. Moreover, it is vital to monitor fetal heart rate and contractions, as fetal distress may indicate the need for an emergent delivery. These measures are critical in managing a pregnant patient in shock and ensuring the wellbeing of both the mother and the fetus.