RC: Health and Medicine - 3 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Passage

Direction: The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
Anesthesia, a cornerstone of modern medicine, is employed to inhibit pain signals during medical procedures. Its application is tailored to the patient's condition and the nature of the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs a small area and is typically used for minor interventions, allowing the patient to remain conscious. Regional anesthesia, on the other hand, is used for larger areas, such as in childbirth where epidural anesthesia is administered into the spinal fluid, affecting the lower half of the body.
General anesthesia induces a sleep-like state, commonly referred to as being "put under." Administered either through injection or inhalation, it also obstructs memory formation. While most patients do not retain memories of the operation, a minuscule percentage might recall their surroundings without experiencing pain. Such instances, although rare, may necessitate psychological consultation.
Anesthesiologists, specialists in this field, meticulously monitor vital signs during procedures. They oversee heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, often employing a breathing tube connected to a respirator. Despite the inherent risks associated with anesthesia, advancements in medicine have significantly enhanced its safety. The Mayo Clinic reports a dramatic decrease in anesthesia-related fatalities, from one in ten thousand to one in two hundred fifty thousand cases.
Preoperative communication is crucial to mitigate risks. Patients should expect inquiries regarding their health, medication, lifestyle habits, allergies, and previous experiences with anesthesia. This dialogue is pivotal in ensuring a safe and effective anesthetic experience.
Q1: What is the primary purpose of local anesthesia?
(a) To induce sleep
(b) To numb a small area
(c) To block memory formation
(d) To monitor vital signs

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Q2: Which of the following is true about general anesthesia?
(a) It is used for minor procedures.
(b) It allows patients to remain fully awake.
(c) It makes a person fall asleep and blocks memory.
(d) It is injected into the spinal fluid.

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Q3: According to the passage, what role does an anesthesiologist play during an operation?
(a) They perform the surgical procedure.
(b) They monitor the patient's vital signs.
(c) They ask the patient preoperative questions.
(d) They recall the patient's surroundings.

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Q4: The decrease in anesthesia-related fatalities is attributed to:
(a) The rarity of remembering operations.
(b) The use of regional anesthesia in childbirth.
(c) Improvements in medical safety.
(d) The role of the anesthesiologist.

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