Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

A woman in a lesser-developed country is likely to be at risk for which of the following?

1. Vitamin E deficiency

2. Having several children

3. Death during pregnancy and childbirth

4. Being viewed as the leader of the family unit

The correct answer is: Death during pregnancy and childbirth

The answer identifying the risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth is correct because women in lesser-developed countries often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. These barriers can include a lack of skilled birth attendants, inadequate facilities for safe delivery, and insufficient prenatal and postnatal care. High rates of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and limited education regarding reproductive health can further exacerbate the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Consequently, maternal mortality rates are notably higher in these regions compared to more developed countries. While the option about having several children may also reflect a reality in many lesser-developed countries, the emphasis on the high risk of maternal mortality highlights the immediate dangers associated with pregnancy rather than family size alone. Viewing women as leaders of the family unit is not typically a characteristic of lesser-developed countries, where cultural norms often place women in more subordinate roles. Therefore, the correct answer draws attention to critical health outcomes, underlining the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare and education to reduce these risks.