QUESTION: 125 Topic - Section: Reading

Reading Material

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most useful and requested types of analysis in medical practice. A CBC searches for all the cells that exist in the blood, which are divided into three basic types: white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets, and red blood cells (erythrocytes). All of these blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and correspond to a specific exam, integrated in the CBC: erythrogram, leukogram, and thrombogram.

The erythrogram studies red blood cells. Among other tests, it includes a red blood cell count, a hematocrit, and hemoglobin. When these levels are low, the patient may be suffering from anemia, which can be caused by anything from heavy menstrual bleeding to Addison’s disease. A diagnosis of polycythemia may be made if the number of red blood cells is increased.

The leukogram is the test that evaluates the number of white cells present in the blood, which should vary between 4,000 and 10,000 cells per cubic millimeter in most adults. High values of white blood cells are seen with infection or severe emotional/physical stress, while AIDS and chemotherapy are two causes for low values.

The thrombogram is the analysis of platelets, the cells responsible for coagulation. The main function of platelets is to help stop bleeding by helping form a clot. They do this by secreting proteins from their surface that allow them to stick to vessels and each other. Low values of platelets are seen with pregnancy or an enlarged spleen, whereas high values are seen with cancers or iron deficiency.

What is the name of the disease characterized by a high number of red blood cells?

This condition was not mentioned in this passage.
thrombocytopenia
polycythemia
anemia

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The text states that a person may be diagnosed with polycythemia if his or her red blood cells counts are increased.

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QUESTION: 126 Topic - Section: Reading

Reading Material

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most useful and requested types of analysis in medical practice. A CBC searches for all the cells that exist in the blood, which are divided into three basic types: white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets, and red blood cells (erythrocytes). All of these blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and correspond to a specific exam, integrated in the CBC: erythrogram, leukogram, and thrombogram.

The erythrogram studies red blood cells. Among other tests, it includes a red blood cell count, a hematocrit, and hemoglobin. When these levels are low, the patient may be suffering from anemia, which can be caused by anything from heavy menstrual bleeding to Addison’s disease. A diagnosis of polycythemia may be made if the number of red blood cells is increased.

The leukogram is the test that evaluates the number of white cells present in the blood, which should vary between 4,000 and 10,000 cells per cubic millimeter in most adults. High values of white blood cells are seen with infection or severe emotional/physical stress, while AIDS and chemotherapy are two causes for low values.

The thrombogram is the analysis of platelets, the cells responsible for coagulation. The main function of platelets is to help stop bleeding by helping form a clot. They do this by secreting proteins from their surface that allow them to stick to vessels and each other. Low values of platelets are seen with pregnancy or an enlarged spleen, whereas high values are seen with cancers or iron deficiency.

Which statement can correctly be inferred from the accompanying passage?

A CBC gives a more complete evaluation of a patient’s blood than a leukogram.
The test of red blood cells is more informative than the tests of white blood cells and platelets.
An elevated level of platelets is a confirmation of pregnancy in the patient.
A CBC should be part of every physical exam because it tells so much about the patient’s blood.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

While this is not explicitly stated in the passage, two statements provide evidence of the truth of this statement:
-“A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most useful and requested types of analysis in medical practice.”
-”…integrated in the CBC: erythrogram, leukogram, and thrombogram.”

Since the leukogram is only one part of the CBC and the CBC is defined as one of most useful tests, one may infer that the CBC would provide a more complete picture than the leukogram alone.
The other answer choices cannot be inferred from the passage. Pregnancy is only one possible cause of low platelets. No part of the test is referred to as being “more informative” than another; they can all detect the possibility of important medical conditions. Finally, although the CBC is deemed highly useful, there is no evidence in this passage that it would be recommended for every single patient exam.
When you infer something from a passage, you have to be able to point to specific evidence that supports your inference.

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QUESTION: 127 Topic - Section: Reading

Reading Material

An allergy is defined as an “immunological hypersensitivity to a specific external stimulus” or, simply put, an exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is foreign to the body. Patients with allergies are called “atopic” or, more popularly, “allergic”. The diagnosis of an allergy is mainly clinical and it can be aided by skin allergy tests and laboratory examinations.

Skin allergy tests are fast, practical, and can be done in an allergy and immunology provider’s office. While skin tests are generally sufficient to confirm a diagnosis, doctors may also request complementary laboratory studies for further confirmation. These blood tests may diagnose an increase in white blood cells or antibodies for common allergy triggers, such as pet dander, grasses, and molds. Blood tests may help confirm or exclude the possibility of an allergy and, consequently, reduce adverse reactions caused by unnecessary medication. A correct diagnosis, along with proper treatment based on the valid results of allergy tests, will help reduce or eliminate the incidence of symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Why is it important to be tested for allergies if they are suspected?

to exclude certain allergies and explore the possibility of others
all of these
to reduce adverse reactions caused by unnecessary allergy medications
to reduce the incidence of allergy-related symptoms

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The second paragraph of the text mentions all of these as potential benefits of allergy testing. (Since the article is about allergies and testing for them, you can assume that the medications mentioned here are ones for allergies.)

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QUESTION: 128 Topic - Section: Reading

Reading Material

An allergy is defined as an “immunological hypersensitivity to a specific external stimulus” or, simply put, an exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is foreign to the body. Patients with allergies are called “atopic” or, more popularly, “allergic”. The diagnosis of an allergy is mainly clinical and it can be aided by skin allergy tests and laboratory examinations.

Skin allergy tests are fast, practical, and can be done in an allergy and immunology provider’s office. While skin tests are generally sufficient to confirm a diagnosis, doctors may also request complementary laboratory studies for further confirmation. These blood tests may diagnose an increase in white blood cells or antibodies for common allergy triggers, such as pet dander, grasses, and molds. Blood tests may help confirm or exclude the possibility of an allergy and, consequently, reduce adverse reactions caused by unnecessary medication. A correct diagnosis, along with proper treatment based on the valid results of allergy tests, will help reduce or eliminate the incidence of symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Which of these statements cannot be inferred from this passage?

Giving medicine for an allergy that does not exist can be harmful.
The term allergic is used more than atopic when referring to people with allergies.
Skin tests are the most accurate way to confirm an allergy test.
It would be wise to seek a correct diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

While the text mentions that skin tests are “generally sufficient” to confirm an allergy, further detailed testing is sometimes needed for confirmation.
The other answer choices are not specifically stated in the passage, but you can infer them from information that is given by the author.

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QUESTION: 125 Topic - Section: Reading

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QUESTION: 126 Topic - Section: Reading

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QUESTION: 127 Topic - Section: Reading

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QUESTION: 128 Topic - Section: Reading

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