Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 248: Answer and Explanation

Question: 248

Bacteriostatic antibiotics are often prescribed to patients who have an intact immune system that can assist in killing the microorganism causing the infection. Allowing the innate immune system to do some of the work decreases the length of time the patient needs to be on the antibiotic, which can help eliminate some of the unwanted side effects. In contrast, bactericidal drugs are prescribed when the patient may be immunocompromised (i.e., the natural immune system is not functioning properly) and cannot fight off the infection. Depending on the severity and type of infection, a doctor may select a narrow- or broad-spectrum bactericidal drug.

It is reasonable to conclude from the text that a bacteriostatic medicine and a bactericidal medicine would be optimally used on patients in which of the following respective situations?

• A. Relatively healthy, relatively ill
• B. Generally unhealthy, generally healthy
• C. Internally sick, externally sick
• D. Physically ill, mentally ill

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A. The text states that “bacteriostatic antibiotics are often prescribed to patients who have an intact immune system.” If a person's immune system is intact, it is fair to assume that that person is “relatively healthy,” as described in Choice A. Choices B, C, and D all state that bacteriostatic antibiotics are used on people in various states of poor health, which is not the case.