Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which type of agent is most often investigated in prenatal or perinatal environmental studies related to autism?

1. Heavy metals

2. Endocrine disruptors

3. Viral agents

4. Pesticides

The correct answer is: Viral agents

In prenatal or perinatal environmental studies pertaining to autism, viral agents are of significant interest due to their potential impact on neurological development during critical windows of pregnancy. Certain viral infections, such as maternal influenza or rubella, have been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. The mechanism by which viral agents may contribute to autism is thought to involve inflammatory responses in the mother that can, in turn, affect fetal brain development. Studies have demonstrated that maternal immune activation during pregnancy can influence the development of the offspring's neural pathways, which could play a role in the emergence of autism-related symptoms. While other agents like heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides are also investigated for their environmental impact, the connection between viral infections and the development of autism is particularly prominent in the literature and underscores the importance of maternal health during pregnancy in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes.