There are three plants in total. There are some characteristics given for each of them and the effect they can cause on human body
1. Poison oak
Characteristics - Notched/lobed edge, 3-leaf pattern
Effect - Contact with its oil can create an itchy rash. The rash develops in 1-2 days. It stays for more than a week
2. Jewelweed
Characteristics - Smooth edge, Single leaf pattern, has a translucent, juicy stem & orange horn-shaped flowers, found in soggy soil near streams
Effect - Neutralizes poison oak oil, prevents a rash
if applied quickly3. Aloe vera
Characteristics - Smooth edge, Single leaf pattern, the leaves are thick, succulent & contain a clear viscous gel, thrives in arid sandy soil
Effect - Can soothe a rash once it appears
The hiker's first priority is to prevent a rash, and the second priority is to soothe the irritation. So, for the first priority we need jewelweed and for the second one we need aloe vera.
Statement assessment
A. Neither aloe vera nor jewelweed has
notched edges and hence this plant is not relevant for either priority
B. The features of the plant match those of jewelweed. However, the plant is found
48 hours after poison oak contact. Jewelweed can help prevent rash only if applied quickly and hence this plant, because it is found after 48 hours, is not relevant.
C. Since the rash from poison oak contact can take
up to 3 days to appear, if the plant, which matches the characteristics of aloe vera, is
found on day 4, this will be relevant for HIKER'S SECOND PRIORITY.
D. The plant described matches the features of jewelweed and is also
found within one hour of poison oak contact. This is relevant for FIRST PRIORITY
E&F. Both statements describe
notched leaves as one of the features of the plants found, which is not a feature of either jewelweed or aloe vera, we can safely eliminate both these options.