A nurse is educating a pregnant client about striae gravidarum. Which statement best explains the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with the development of these skin changes during pregnancy?

A. Oblique presentation: In an oblique lie, the fetal long axis is at an angle to the maternal long axis, neither fully longitudinal nor transverse. This position is considered unstable and not consistent with a true longitudinal lie.

B. Frank breech presentation: In a frank breech presentation, the fetus’s buttocks present first while the legs are extended upward toward the head. The fetal spine remains parallel to the maternal spine, which defines a longitudinal lie.

C. Transverse presentation: A transverse presentation occurs when the fetal long axis lies perpendicular to the maternal long axis. This represents a transverse, not longitudinal, lie and prevents vaginal delivery unless the lie is corrected.

D. Compound presentation: In a compound presentation, an extremity presents alongside the head or breech, but the underlying lie can vary. It is not classified solely by lie and may occur in either a longitudinal or oblique position.

E. Shoulder presentation: In a shoulder presentation, the fetal shoulder or arm presents first, which occurs with a transverse lie. The fetal spine runs perpendicular to the maternal spine, inconsistent with a longitudinal lie.

F. Cephalic (vertex) presentation: In a cephalic or vertex presentation, the fetal head presents first, and the fetal spine is parallel to the maternal spine, representing a typical longitudinal lie and the most common presentation at term.

A. Nausea with occasional vomiting: Mild nausea and occasional vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are typical in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These symptoms are expected and generally not dangerous unless they become severe or persistent, as in hyperemesis gravidarum.

B. Fatigue: Fatigue is a normal physiological response to hormonal changes, increased metabolic demands, and expanded blood volume during pregnancy. It is common in the first and third trimesters and does not usually indicate a complication.

C. Rupture of membranes: Any rupture or leakage of amniotic fluid before labor begins should be reported immediately. Premature rupture increases the risk of infection, cord prolapse, and preterm labor, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

D. Vaginal bleeding: Bleeding during pregnancy is a significant warning sign that may indicate miscarriage, placental abruption, or placenta previa. Immediate medical assessment is necessary to determine the cause and initiate appropriate management.

E. Urinary frequency: Increased urinary frequency is a normal finding during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and uterine pressure on the bladder. It should only be reported if accompanied by pain, burning, or fever, which could indicate infection.