The irregular, pink, depressed linear marks seen over the lower abdomen and the thighs during pregnancy are known as ______.

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

Explanation

Striae gravidarum is the medical term for stretch marks that appear during pregnancy.
They are described as reddish, slightly depressed linear streaks that commonly develop on the skin of the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs.
These marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin, along with hormonal changes that affect the skin's connective tissue.
Initially, they appear pink or reddish (striae rubra) and later fade to silvery-white lines (striae albicans) after delivery.

Option A: Linea nigra is a dark, vertical line that runs down the midline of the abdomen, not pink, linear marks on the abdomen and thighs.
Option C: Chloasma gravidarum, or melasma, refers to hyperpigmentation (brownish patches) on the face, often called the 'mask of pregnancy'. It does not describe marks on the abdomen or thighs.
Option D: Palmar erythema is redness of the palms of the hands, which is a vascular change, not depressed linear marks on the abdomen and thighs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological skin changes during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating expectant mothers about these common physiological skin changes, reassuring them that most are benign and will fade or resolve after delivery. This helps alleviate anxiety.
While prevention of striae is difficult, nurses can advise on using moisturizers or oils to help manage any associated itching and maintain skin comfort.
It is important for the nurse to differentiate these normal changes from pathological skin conditions of pregnancy, such as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), which may present with intense itching and require medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the key characteristics of the skin marking: 'irregular, pink, depressed linear marks'.
Next, note the location specified: 'lower abdomen and the thighs'.
Then, consider the context: 'during pregnancy'.
Evaluate each option based on these three pieces of information.
Option A, 'linea nigra', is a dark line, not pink marks.
Option C, 'chloasma gravidarum', appears on the face, not the abdomen/thighs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiological skin changes during pregnancy
Stem keywords: irregular, pink, depressed linear marks, lower abdomen, thighs, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: known as

Q7P_w8zGmsRIUIPwl9f5ne

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 40-59

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1290-1292

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.