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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall propose that the pain model be replaced with what they called the Gate-Control Theory of Pain?

2. How many surgeons attended the American College of Surgeons convention?

3. When installing a central line, how long is the wire that is inserted into the vein toward the vena cava ?

4. What was the woman's alcohol level that Gawande had to attend to on a crisp winter Friday?

5. How many minutes without oxygen could lead to brain damage and perhaps death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Swedish study designed to see whether a computer could more accurately read an EKG than could a human.

2. What is the secret of Shouldice Hospital's success with hernia repairs?

3. Where can doctors candidly discuss medical mistakes?

4. Why does it take so long before colleagues take effective action against a bad doctor?

5. Why did Gawande recommend removing the appendix of a thirty-nine-year-old woman who did not fit the pattern for appendicitis?

6. What are some problems with malpractice suits as a remedy for preventing harm to patients?

7. What was Hank Goodman's reputation before he lost his license?

8. How is Shouldice Hospital designed for hernia patients?

9. What is the most important criteria for becoming a surgeon?

10. Why was Gawande concerned about the patient who had been shot in the buttock?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how and why autopsy can be used as a tool in medicine.

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from Complications, argue whether the belief in superstitions is anecdotal or scientific.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the uncertainty that is a core part of medicine and some proposed solutions for the problem. Use examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 940 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample