It is widely recognized that patients undergoing surgery whose core body temperatures drop below 35 C (approximately 95 F) during the procedure face significantly higher risks of complications compared to those whose temperatures remain above 35 C. Therefore, it is suggested that surgical outcomes could improve if operating rooms were maintained at higher temperatures than the current standard of 20 C (around 68 F).

Which of the following, if true, most strongly challenges the assertion that increasing operating room temperatures would lead to better surgical outcomes?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A. Surgical complication rates are generally higher in the fall than in the spring.

B. Maternity wards are often kept at slightly warmer temperatures than standard operating rooms (around 23 C or 73.4 F) to protect vulnerable newborns.

C. Maintaining surgical instruments at temperatures above 20 C incurs additional expenses.

D. Surgeons and nurses prefer working in environments that are cooler than 23 C.

E. As room temperatures exceed 20 C, both physical coordination and cognitive function tend to deteriorate, particularly at temperatures above 23 C.

Correct

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

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To determine which option most strongly argues against the idea that raising operating room temperatures would reduce surgical complications, we need to analyze each option. Option A discusses seasonal variation in complication rates but does not directly relate to temperature effects. Option B mentions maternity wards but does not address the surgical context. Option C highlights cost concerns but does not impact patient…

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Comments

s.sJan 11, 2025

thanks

FfSep 28, 2024

Tricky wording but good practice

HarmanMay 26, 2024

cheers!

What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most undermines an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.