Free Practice Question
RC · Reading Comprehension
655-705
Short Passage - Science
Reading Passage
It has long been assumed that strictures of the bile duct are the result of poor dietary habits and alcohol abuse, especially if such degradation has occurred over a period of ten or more years. Recent studies have shown, however, that bile duct strictures are most often an unfortunate consequence of certain types of surgery, as the body reacts to invasive procedures. These strictures occur when the liver produces an excess of bile, which then becomes stuck in the ducts and crystallizes. It is believed that the use of general anesthetics halts the ducts’ natural motion of undulation, allowing the excess bile to build up. It has further been hypothesized that, strangely, the type of surgery performed has a causal effect on where the stricture occurs within the duct system.
These new ideas could have a profound impact on the diagnosis of strictures, especially since the medications generally given to surgical patients mask the obvious warning signs of bile duct strictures. In the past, those suffering from such strictures would exhibit telltale symptoms - an oozing of pus from the pores of the chest and a dark discoloration of the urine and saliva. But the prevalent use of multivitamins and antibiotics keeps these symptoms hidden in patients, giving doctors no external indications of a problem in the bile duct system. Doctors have had to resort to other methods of detection, primarily biopsy through either traditional means or endoscopy. However, even microendoscopy is enough of an invasive technique that the procedure itself could provoke the same reaction that may cause bile duct strictures. Newer, noninvasive technologies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound could, thus, prove to be beneficial. Still, even these techniques are not useful unless the approximate location of the stricture is known. Without some empirical evidence of where the blockage is occurring or some theory that could successfully pinpoint its locale, an ultrasound scan could be a quixotic endeavor.
These new ideas could have a profound impact on the diagnosis of strictures, especially since the medications generally given to surgical patients mask the obvious warning signs of bile duct strictures. In the past, those suffering from such strictures would exhibit telltale symptoms - an oozing of pus from the pores of the chest and a dark discoloration of the urine and saliva. But the prevalent use of multivitamins and antibiotics keeps these symptoms hidden in patients, giving doctors no external indications of a problem in the bile duct system. Doctors have had to resort to other methods of detection, primarily biopsy through either traditional means or endoscopy. However, even microendoscopy is enough of an invasive technique that the procedure itself could provoke the same reaction that may cause bile duct strictures. Newer, noninvasive technologies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound could, thus, prove to be beneficial. Still, even these techniques are not useful unless the approximate location of the stricture is known. Without some empirical evidence of where the blockage is occurring or some theory that could successfully pinpoint its locale, an ultrasound scan could be a quixotic endeavor.
It can be inferred from the passage that a doctor who wishes to detect the presence of a bile duct stricture within a patient would have the most success by performing which of these procedures?
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowA
Having the patient fill out a questionnaire about the patient’s diet and habits over the previous ten years
B
Allowing the patient to undergo certain surgical techniques but without the use of anesthetic
Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans
Correct
D
Considering the patient’s entire medical history with a focus on the types of medications the patient has taken
E
Examining the patient’s urine and saliva and taking samples from the patient’s pores
See the full step-by-step explanation
You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.
Track your performance and improve
Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.
Explanation
Unlock the full explanation
Create a free account to reveal the correct answer, see the step-by-step explanation, and start tracking your GMAT progress.
Comments
Sign in to join the discussion
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and help others understand it better.
Sign in to commentWhat this question tests
What it tests
Your ability to understand a passage, its structure, and what the author is really saying. At the 655-705 level, accuracy and speed both matter.
Common trap
Answering from memory or outside knowledge instead of strictly from the passage.
Details
Difficulty
655-705
Type
RC
Category