Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What characteristic describes a family life cycle where a young mother has not finished high school and lives in poverty?

1. Extended life cycle

2. Condensed life cycle

3. Traditional life cycle

4. Normal life cycle

The correct answer is: Condensed life cycle

A condensed life cycle is a term that can be used to describe situations where individuals or families experience significant life events in a compressed timeframe. In the context of a young mother who has not finished high school and lives in poverty, it reflects the challenges and pressures she faces that may lead to earlier parenting or other life changes occurring sooner than what is typically expected. This characteristic emphasizes the notion of rushing through life stages, where typical milestones—such as completing education, establishing a career, or achieving financial stability—may be bypassed or delayed due to socioeconomic factors. Instead of following a "normal" progression through the life cycle, this mother may find herself needing to prioritize immediate survival and care for her child over long-term aspirations, thereby condensing her developmental and life phases into a shorter duration filled with increased responsibilities and challenges. By illustrating how socioeconomic status impacts family dynamics and life progress, the term effectively captures the unique situation of this young mother.