Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What social issue is linked to increased risks during pregnancy for women?

1. Housing instability

2. Increased medical expenses

3. Detection of domestic abuse

4. Loss of employment

The correct answer is: Detection of domestic abuse

Choosing detection of domestic abuse as the linked social issue to increased risks during pregnancy highlights the significant impact that abuse can have on maternal and fetal health. Women who experience domestic abuse often face physical and emotional trauma, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm labor, and increased rates of miscarriage. Furthermore, the stress associated with domestic abuse can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are also linked to complications during pregnancy. While other options are certainly important social issues, they do not have as direct an impact on pregnancy risks. Housing instability can lead to stress and may affect access to prenatal care, but the immediate risks to the pregnancy aren't as pronounced as those posed by domestic abuse. Increased medical expenses can create barriers to seeking care, but again, this doesn't necessarily result in direct physiological risks during pregnancy. Loss of employment can cause stress and economic challenges, but it does not inherently affect the physical health of the pregnancy in the same way that domestic abuse does. Thus, the link between domestic abuse and increased risks during pregnancy is particularly critical to understand in the context of maternal healthcare.