Final answer:
In a breech presentation, maternal perineal trauma is a primary complication a nurse must prepare for due to the increased likelihood of tearing as the baby's head is the last to emerge. The nurse must also be vigilant for signs of umbilical cord compression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse preparing to care for a woman whose fetus has a breech presentation needs to be ready to assist with a few potential complications; among them, maternal perineal trauma is a significant concern. Breech presentations, where the baby is positioned to deliver buttocks or feet first, can lead to a range of challenges during delivery. When the fetal head is the last part to emerge, it can cause significant stretching and potential tearing of the maternal perineum, potentially making the delivery more complicated than in a cephalic (head-first) presentation. Additional concerns with breech presentations include umbilical cord compression, which can occur because the cord may become trapped against the mother's pelvis, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.