PSAT Reading Question 587: Answer and Explanation

Question: 587

The passage as a whole most strongly suggests that medical professionals

• A. should push for more stringent licensure requirements for first responders.
• B. must educate patients on how to properly diagnose bacteriological infections.
• C. can improve their bedside manner if they recognize the common fears of the sick.
• D. need to consider how treatments will impact people other than the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) The last two paragraphs analyze how improper usage of antibiotics can lead to the mutation and spread of drug-resistant infections. It stands to reason that a physician should not be overzealous in prescribing antibiotics, as there is a chance that one of these strains can mutate at any time. Physicians need not consider only the patient but, rather, society at large every time they prescribe antibiotics. The passage makes no reference at all to the topics of choices (A) and (C). Choice (B) is flawed in that physicians still must diagnose bacteriological infections; patients are not expected to provide their own medical care.