Nokea
MRSA:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics and, as a result, is very difficult to treat. MRSA now kills more Americans every year than HIV/AIDS, and the rates of infection are rising. Methicillin, an antibiotic introduced in the 1960s, was intended to combat Staphylococcus aureus, which is ubiquitous in hospitals. However, within a year of its introduction, doctors began finding strains of bacteria that had already developed immunity to methicillin. By the 1990s, MRSA had become the leading hospital-acquired skin infection in the United States.
At the same time MRSA started appearing outside of hospitals, different strains of the bacteria emerged, spreading just as quickly and being just as dangerous. In the past 15 years, MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other settings with frequent human contact.
Researchers in Ireland are developing technology that may significantly halt the spread of hospital-associated MRSA bacteria. They have created a textile made of nanomaterials 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. These textiles have been shown to halt the spread of infection and can be used for linens, drapes, and upholstery in hospitals. The potential for this technology to reduce instances of hospital-associated MRSA is staggering.
To reduce your risk of community-associated MRSA infection, regularly wash your hands, cover all open wounds with a clean bandage, and avoid sharing personal items like razors or towels.
Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?
- A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
- B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
- C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
- D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.
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Coffee Consumption During Pregnancy:
The health risks of coffee have long been debated, but a recent study has added another argument against too much coffee consumption. This study looked at the effect of drinking coffee on pregnant women. Conducted by physicians at Kaiser Permanente, the study explored the connection between caffeine and the risk of miscarriage.
This study followed more than 1,000 women who became pregnant within a two-year period. The amount of caffeine they drank was logged, as well as which women experienced a miscarriage. The results, as published in the January 2008 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, stated that the risk of miscarriage more than doubled in women who consumed 200 mg or more of caffeine per day—about what is found in two cups of coffee.
Why does caffeine carry this risk? Researchers are not sure, but they theorize that the caffeine restricts blood flow to the placenta. This, in turn, can harm the developing fetus.
Does this mean the physicians will start advising women to quit drinking coffee while pregnant? Yes and no. Some doctors will certainly take this report to heart and encourage their patients to stay away from more than one cup of coffee a day, just as they recommend not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Others are not so convinced and doubt that this single study is enough to overturn the established guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Instead, they believe that a lot more research needs to be done.
Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the advice physicians will give their pregnant patients about coffee consumption?
- A. Almost all of them will advise women to stop drinking any caffeine until after the baby is born.
- B. The majority will ignore the study altogether and continue to advise caffeine in moderation as before.
- C. All of them will demand additional research be done before they change what they tell their patients.
- D. Some will continue to make their normal recommendations about caffeine, while others will be more cautious than before.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The inference is that some physicians will continue with their usual recommendations while others may become more cautious.
THE FOOD PYRAMID:
The food pyramid is a visual representation of how the different food groups can be combined to form a healthy diet. Although it was a vital part of dietary guidelines for years before being replaced by the �MyPlate� model, the pyramid was constantly analyzed and revised as additional study was done in nutritional fields. A few years ago, the pyramid underwent a change regarding the unique dietary needs of seniors.
Modifications in the pyramid for older adults included an emphasis on fiber and calcium, as well as on vitamins D and B12. By incorporating these changes, the pyramid indicated that the nutrients found in a person�s routine daily consumption typically are not enough for seniors. Seniors need supplementation. As people age, they tend to move less and thus need fewer calories to maintain their weight. Because seniors tend to eat a more limited amount, dietitians urge them to choose wisely. They are encouraged to eat nutrient-rich meals featuring such foods as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and high-fiber whole grains.
The revised pyramid also focused on the importance for older people of ingesting adequate amounts of fluids daily. This helps to ensure proper digestion and prevent dehydration. Finally, the revised pyramid included information on incorporating exercise and other physical activities into the lives of older adults. Suggestions included swimming, walking, or simple yard work. With recent reports indicating that obesity levels for people older than 70 years of age are climbing, performing some type of regular exercise is more essential than ever.
What is the main idea of the passage?
- A. Senior citizens need to increase their calcium and vitamin D intake.
- B. The food pyramid was revised to reflect the needs of seniors.
- C. Physical activity is a new addition to the food pyramid.
- D. The revised food pyramid looks more like a food square.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage discusses the revision of the food pyramid specifically to address the unique dietary needs of seniors. It emphasizes how the changes were made based on ongoing research and analysis, indicating a broader focus on senior nutrition rather than just individual nutrients or exercise. Thus, option B captures the essence of the passage as it succinctly summarizes the main idea.
MRSA:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics and, as a result, is very difficult to treat. MRSA now kills more Americans every year than HIV/AIDS, and the rates of infection are rising. Methicillin, an antibiotic introduced in the 1960s, was intended to combat Staphylococcus aureus, which is ubiquitous in hospitals. However, within a year of its introduction, doctors began finding strains of bacteria that had already developed immunity to methicillin. By the 1990s, MRSA had become the leading hospital-acquired skin infection in the United States.
At the same time MRSA started appearing outside of hospitals, different strains of the bacteria emerged, spreading just as quickly and being just as dangerous. In the past 15 years, MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other settings with frequent human contact.
Researchers in Ireland are developing technology that may significantly halt the spread of hospital-associated MRSA bacteria. They have created a textile made of nanomaterials 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. These textiles have been shown to halt the spread of infection and can be used for linens, drapes, and upholstery in hospitals. The potential for this technology to reduce instances of hospital-associated MRSA is staggering.
To reduce your risk of community-associated MRSA infection, regularly wash your hands, cover all open wounds with a clean bandage, and avoid sharing personal items like razors or towels.
As used in the second paragraph, what does the term ubiquitous mean?
- A. Indigenous
- B. Often ignored
- C. Found everywhere
- D. Dangerous
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Found everywhere.' Ubiquitous in this context means widespread presence. In the provided extract, it is mentioned that MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in various other settings, indicating they are found everywhere. Choice A, 'Indigenous,' is incorrect as it refers to something native or originating from a specific place, which is not the intended meaning in the context. Choice B, 'Often ignored,' is incorrect as ubiquitous means something that is widely present, not something that is ignored. Choice D, 'Dangerous,' is incorrect as ubiquitous does not directly imply danger, but rather the widespread presence of something.
Lifewings Partners:
What do pilots, astronauts, physicians, and risk managers have in common? In this case, they are all part of Lifewings Partners, an organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to eliminating mistakes and accidents in medical settings across the United States.
Lifewings Partners highlights the need for vigilance in medical environments. According to the Institute of Health, approximately 98,000 patients die each year in U.S. healthcare settings due to medical errors. Examples of such errors include a man who had the wrong testicle removed in a Los Angeles hospital, a young boy who suffered brain damage from anesthesia during a routine hernia surgery, and a hospital in Rhode Island that performed brain surgery on the wrong side of the brain on three different patients in less than a year.
To combat these issues, Lifewings Partners not only advocates for internal changes in medical procedures and the establishment of checklists but also focuses on patient education. They recommend that consumers research a hospital’s safety record online, discuss safety standards with their doctors, and inquire about facilities with the best safety records.
Founder Steve Harden emphasizes, “Just because a hospital has a great reputation for cutting-edge medicine doesn’t necessarily mean the hospital is the safest place to go for routine procedures.” He warns that some mistakes are too significant and irreversible to risk, underscoring the importance of careful selection and preparation in healthcare settings.
Which statement could be inferred by the reader from the last paragraph of the passage?
- A. Procedures that Lifewings Partners recommends are always effective.
- B. Medical mistakes can happen at even the best hospitals.
- C. City hospitals know more than others about cutting-edge medicine.
- D. Medical mistakes will one day be completely eradicated.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The inference that can be made is that medical mistakes can happen even at the best hospitals.
MRSA:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics and, as a result, is very difficult to treat. MRSA now kills more Americans every year than HIV/AIDS, and the rates of infection are rising. Methicillin, an antibiotic introduced in the 1960s, was intended to combat Staphylococcus aureus, which is ubiquitous in hospitals. However, within a year of its introduction, doctors began finding strains of bacteria that had already developed immunity to methicillin. By the 1990s, MRSA had become the leading hospital-acquired skin infection in the United States.
At the same time MRSA started appearing outside of hospitals, different strains of the bacteria emerged, spreading just as quickly and being just as dangerous. In the past 15 years, MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other settings with frequent human contact.
Researchers in Ireland are developing technology that may significantly halt the spread of hospital-associated MRSA bacteria. They have created a textile made of nanomaterials 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. These textiles have been shown to halt the spread of infection and can be used for linens, drapes, and upholstery in hospitals. The potential for this technology to reduce instances of hospital-associated MRSA is staggering.
To reduce your risk of community-associated MRSA infection, regularly wash your hands, cover all open wounds with a clean bandage, and avoid sharing personal items like razors or towels.
What is the main idea of the passage about MRSA?
- A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
- B. A new textile made of nanomaterials could significantly reduce the spread of hospital-associated MRSA infections.
- C. There are multiple strains of MRSA, and they pose various risks beyond just fatality.
- D. MRSA is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, but there are ways to mitigate the risk.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that MRSA is a significant issue both within and outside of hospitals. It highlights the challenges posed by MRSA, including its resistance to antibiotics, high mortality rates, and widespread presence in various settings. While the development of new technologies like nanomaterial textiles shows promise in reducing hospital-associated MRSA, the passage also emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent community-associated MRSA infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the comprehensive overview of MRSA provided in the passage. Choice A encompasses the main idea by emphasizing the significance of MRSA and ways to mitigate the risk. Choice B focuses on a specific solution rather than the broader issue of MRSA. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the risks associated with MRSA strains by only mentioning fatality.