Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 186: Answer and Explanation

Question: 186

As the use of antibiotics continues to increase, there is growing concern within the health care community about the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Microorganisms that cause infections can gain resistance when their DNA spontaneously mutates, or when they receive DNA from another microorganism via conjugation. Once the microorganism has secured the needed DNA sequence, many common antibiotics become ineffective in fighting the infection.

Which choice best states the major concern expressed in the text?

• A. That doctors will lose the capacity to treat bacterial infections
• B. That patients will overdose on their antibiotic prescriptions
• C. That medical professionals will lose their prominence in the community
• D. That Western medicine will not be open to alternative approaches

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The first sentence mentions growing concern in the health care community that there will be microorganisms that will develop antibiotic resistance; therefore, the infections will no longer be able to be treated with antibiotics. There is no concern about potential overdose or a loss of medical prominence. Also, there is no mention about alternative medical approaches.