Practice Passage Test - 10 | Practice Passages for MCAT PDF Download

Passage

The case involves Katie Smith, a 27-year-old woman, who arrives at the emergency room after experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, and numbness in her arms. Katie describes her symptoms, including sweating, breathing problems, rapid heartbeat, weakness in her knees, shaking, and numbness in her arms. Although the episode lasted only a few minutes, it felt much longer to her. Concerned about having a heart attack or losing her sanity, she seeks medical help. After conducting an EKG test, which comes back normal, the physician suggests that Katie may have had a panic attack. She is subsequently referred to a clinical psychologist. 

Katie continues to experience panic attacks with similar symptoms, affecting her daily life and causing her to avoid certain activities. Her psychologist diagnoses her with panic disorder and introduces various techniques to improve her functioning. One such technique involves using a biofeedback monitor to regulate her heart rate and breathing. By slowing down her breathing using the device, Katie can bring her heart rate back to normal and successfully prevent panic attacks. The therapist recommends this particular monitor due to its consistent and accurate heart rate monitoring capabilities.