What is the purpose of displacing the uterus during CPR on a pregnant patient?

Displacing the uterus during CPR on a pregnant patient primarily serves to improve cardiac output. When a pregnant patient is supine, the weight of the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava, which reduces venous return to the heart and subsequently decreases cardiac output. By manually displacing the uterus to the left or right, the pressure on the vena cava is alleviated, thus enhancing blood flow back to the heart. This is crucial during resuscitation efforts, as maintaining adequate cardiac output is essential for perfusion to vital organs, including the brain and heart, both of which are critical for survival in an emergency situation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary reason for displacing the uterus in this context. Facilitating better airway access is not a direct impact of uterine displacement, as the positioning of the airway is already paramount. Preventing back injury and reducing maternal pain are also not primary goals in the urgency of performing CPR, where the focus is on maximizing circulation and effective oxygen delivery to both the mother and fetus.