A pediatric nurse is researching social determinants of health in the differing populations they serve. The nurse should identify that which of the following factors place populations at the highest risk for negative health outcomes?

Rationale: A. Language barriers can limit access to health care and health information but are often mitigated through interpreter services and culturally competent care. B. Transportation access affects the ability to attend appointments but is a modifiable logistical factor rather than a primary determinant of overall health outcomes. C. Poverty is a key social determinant of health that places populations at the highest risk for negative health outcomes because it influences access to nutritious food, safe housing, education, and healthcare services, all of which profoundly affect health across the lifespan. D. Genetics influence individual susceptibility to disease but do not account for the broad, population-level disparities associated with social determinants like poverty.