Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are at higher risk for all of the following complications except?

1. Ectopic pregnancy

2. Scarring of the fallopian tubes

3. Infertility

4. Ovarian cysts

The correct answer is: Ovarian cysts

Women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are known to face several complications due to the potential damage inflicted on the reproductive organs during the condition. These complications primarily arise as a result of the infection that occurs during PID, which can lead to inflammation and scarring. Ectopic pregnancy is a significant risk because PID can result in damage and scarring of the fallopian tubes, making it more likely for a fertilized egg to implant in the tube instead of the uterus. Similarly, scarring of the fallopian tubes is a direct consequence of PID due to inflammation and infection, which can cause blockages and impair normal function. Infertility is another serious complication that can arise as a long-term effect of PID, as the alterations in the reproductive system can hinder ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. In contrast, ovarian cysts are not a direct complication associated with a history of PID. While women can develop ovarian cysts for various reasons, these developments are typically related to hormonal fluctuations and are not directly influenced by the scarring or damage resulting from PID. Therefore, the presence of ovarian cysts does not have a significant correlation to the complications that arise specifically from a history of PID, making them the correct choice for the complication