It has long been assumed that strictures of the bile duct are the resu

Question

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Passage # 37, Date: 19-Apr-2020
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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.    1 
 1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to

a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions.
b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful.
c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis.
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community.

2 
 2. 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?

a) 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
c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans
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

3 
 3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?

a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system
d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva
e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system

4 
 4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?

a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system
b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

varun325 · Answer

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to

a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of  secretions and excretions.  (not mentioned)
 b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful. ( Correct) New research or study have shown new evidence or new finding ( In the first Para) & Again in the second first line " These new ideas could have a profound impact on the diagnosis of strictures" and in the last line also the author insists that a new method is required through which exact location can be known. 
c) expound upon the  differences between  invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques. ( differences are cited)
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis. (incorrect)
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community. (Out of context)

Question 2

2. 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?

a) Having the patient fill out a questionnaire about the patient’s diet and habits over the previous ten years ( It was earlier believed but not now ) refer first para starting
b) Allowing the patient to undergo certain surgical techniques but without the use of anesthetic. ( not mentioned that whether it is possible)
 c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans. (correct)
"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."
 
d) Considering the patient’s entire medical history with a focus on the types of medications the patient has taken (It is not the best method)
e) Examining the patient’s urine and saliva and taking samples from the patient’s pores. ( Only if the patient has not taken multi vitamins or antibiotics)

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the  easiest detection of possible bile duct  strictures?

a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism( Incorrect) earlier it was believed that bile duct is linked with alcohol abuse
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery ( It is helpful in locating the blockage)
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system ( no it has its disadvantages)
 d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva (Correct) 
Refer " 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." Though now these may be not possible to detect the bile duct via these symptoms but they were easiest to detect. 
e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system. ( Incorrect) Unless the exact location of the blockage is not known US is not benificial.

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?

a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system ( Correct) There is a causality btw the type of surgery and the location of blockage. 
b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

shameekv1989 · Answer

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to

a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions. -  Author hasn't promoted any procedures other than Ultrasound scan 
b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful. -  The passage is completely about the new theories and how they can be helpful in diagnosing the bile strictres and their locations etc 
c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques. -  Author has mentioned about noninvasive technique only once in the passage 
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis. -  how the theory developed is not explained 
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community. -  Author is not countering anything himself

Answer - B

2. 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?

a) Having the patient fill out a questionnaire about the patient’s diet and habits over the previous ten years -  Patient's diets and habits were the concern in the past not with the new theories that author agrees with 
b) Allowing the patient to undergo certain surgical techniques but without the use of anesthetic -  This will create the situation to develop the bile duct not detect it 
c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans -  The location of bile duct is known by 2 ways - one knowing the surgeries patient has undergone and by the use of ultrasound scans as is mentioned in the last line of the passage 
d) Considering the patient’s entire medical history with a focus on the types of medications the patient has taken  medication such as multivitamins and antibiotics mask the presence, does not help in the detection 
e) Examining the patient’s urine and saliva and taking samples from the patient’s pores -  This may help though it is again something that is a symptom seen at a later stage

Answer - C

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?

a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism -  This was a past theory  
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery -  Surgery may develop dict strictures but doesnt necessarily develop one. Hence it may not be the easiest method to determine the possible stricture 
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system -   "Doctors have had to resort to other methods of detection, primarily biopsy through either traditional means or endoscopy."  - This suggests microendoscopy helped doctors to detect the bile stricture 
d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva -  It is suggested that medications prevent the symptoms from showing up so dark. discolored urine and saliva are the symptoms though may not occur with the use of medicines 
e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system -  This rather helps in detecting the location of bile duct stricture

Answer - C

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?

a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system -  As is mentioned in the first paragraph that  "the type of surgery performed has a causal effect on where the stricture occurs within the duct system"  suggests that this may be helpful to a doctor to predetermine the location of the bile duct stricture  
b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

Answer - A

AnirudhaS · Answer

Answers are in  bold .

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to
a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions.
 b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful. 
c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis.
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community.

Explanation of question 1 
Tricky question as a lot of choices are close, let us go through the options
A - the passage is promoting diagnosis of strictures, however it is NOT ONLY by secretions (pus) and excretions (urine).
B - this is a close choice and I will go with this choice. new theories - of detection of strictures. They are hepful because with the knowledge of type of surgeries and non-invasive ultrasound we can easily detect strictures.
C - the passage is not just about the difference between invasive & non-invasive diagnostic techniques
D - No this is the weakest of the lot. We do not illustrate any process, and also no hypothesis is developed here
E - in my opinion this is a close choice. Assertion - strictures of the bile duct are the result of poor dietary habits and alcohol abuse. The only problem is that we do not know if the assertion is of mainstream medical community, hence this choice is out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. 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?
a) 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
 c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans 
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

Explanation of question 2 
A - its a misconception, does not really depend on this.
B - meaning is distorted. the additional medication given to anesthetic patients mask the telltale signs.
C - type of surgery determines the location. Once the location is determined, perform an ultrasound to detect stricture. Best method so far.
D - types of medication taken would not help very much
E - examining colour of urine might give an indication, but taking samples from patient's pores is not mentioned.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?
a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system
 d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva 
e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system

Explanation of question 3 
Two answers come close - B and D.
The only reason I do not select B here is that I feel that the  knowledge  does not help in detection. You need some physical signs to detect any thing. Therefore the easiest would be to check the colour of urine. A is wrong, it is a misconception. E will definitely detect, but it is not the easiest as you need an instrument for it. Microendoscopic examination is an invasive procedure, so definitely not easy, hence C is also out.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?
 a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system 
b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

Explanation of question 4 
The type of surgery determines the location of the stricture. It is stated in the passage here -  "the type of surgery performed has a causal effect on where the stricture occurs within the duct system."  If the doctors know the location of the stricture, it would be most helpful before performing the ultrasound.
D - option comes close, but here the knowledge might help that yes there might be a stricture, but the doctors still have to figure out where it is.
Answer is A.

razorhell · Answer

ANSWERS ARE :

CENTRAL IDEA - New hypothesis - that certain surgeries cause strictures at certain places.

1.) B - Primary purpose is B
 2.) C - Goes with Central idea
 3.)B - Goes with Central idea
 4.) A - Goes with Central idea

SiffyB · Answer

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to
 
a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions.
  b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful. 
 c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis.
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community.

(A) The author does promote diagnosis in the passage, however, not by secretions and excretions.
(B) This is the correct choice as he talks about the new research and theories surrounding this issue and goes on to explain how they can be employed in the identification of this disease.
(C) This is not the main point of the passage.
(D) The author does not illustrate the process used in development of a hypothesis.
(E) The mainstream medical community is not shown to make assertions and the author definitely does not counter their assertions. So this choice is clearly incorrect.

2. 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?
 
a) 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
  c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans 
 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

As stated towards the end of the passage, performing non invasive methods such as ultrasounds on areas where there is some empirical evidence of strictures is the best method of all the others stated above. Thus, the answer has to be (C).

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?
 
a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system
  d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva 
 e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system

(A) As stated in the first paragraph, intake of alcohol isn't that great an indicator of strictures as is surgical history.
(B) This can be the correct answer. Let's keep it and look for better alternatives, if any.
(C) This is an invasive technique that may cause strictures even if the patient did not have any initially. This is out.
(D) This has been stated as obvious symptoms of strictures. However, due to the usage of multivitamins these symptoms are mostly hidden. However, if their presence can be detected, aren't these symptoms going to the easiest possible detection of strictures? IMO, yes! This is better than (B) according to me.
(E) An ultrasound without the knowledge of location isn't quite smart to perform. Out.

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?
 
  a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system 
 b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

Ultrasound needs to know the location of the strictures. IF it does, ultrasound can be a great tool to detect bile duct strictures. Location can be determined only by the fact that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system. This is clearly mentioned in option (A).

bM22 · Answer

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to

a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions.
 b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful.
 c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis.
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community.

Correct Answer - B
 Explanation - as mentioned in the passage in the beginning of the 2nd para : "These new ideas could have a profound impact on the diagnosis of strictures, "
Option A - incorrect, since its not being promoted by the author, he just mentions that this is how bile strictures were detected in the past.
Option C - incorrect, as the techniques have not been discussed in the detail.
Option D - incorrect, out of scope, as the process used in the development of a hypothesis has not been discussed in the passage.
Option E - incorrect, out of scope.

2. 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?

a) 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
 c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans
 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

Correct Answer C.
 Explanation - its clearly mentioned in the 2nd para, that knowing the locale of the stricture, or the area of the duct, based on the type of surgery, ultrasound scans can be helpful.
Option A - incorrect, as mentioned in the 1st para, that the mentioned deduction is incorrect.
Option B - incorrect, not mentioned in the passage.
Option D - incorrect, not mentioned in the passage.
Option E - incorrect as mentioned in the passage: "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. "

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?

a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system
d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva
 e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system

Correct Answer E.
 Explanation - as apparently the ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system, might give the location of the strictures.
Option A - incorrect, as this study was discarded,when the new study came.
Option B - could be correct, but still an ultrasound would be need to detect the strictures.
Option C - incorrect, as mentioned : "However, even microendoscopy is enough of an invasive technique that the procedure itself could provoke the same reaction that may cause bile duct strictures."
Option D - incorrect, as it could be masked by patients taking several multivitamins.

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?

a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system
 b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage

Correct Answer - A
 Explanation - as mentioned in the end of the 1st para of the passage.
Option B - incorrect, as it was rejected by the 2nd study.
Option C - incorrect, as anesthetics might mask the symptoms of strictures.
Option D - incorrect, as not mentioned in the passage.
Option E - incorrect, as it would not help the doctor in performing the scan, because the location of the stricture would be unknown.

GDT · Answer

1. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to

Para 1 : It tells us that what were assumed to be the possible causes(poor diet + alcohol) of bile duct strictures are not often the reasons
Most often cause is surgery+ explains how this happens
 Para 2 : The research theory in para 1 can help in better identification, location and treatment of strictures

a) promote diagnosis of strictures by examination of secretions and excretions.  Incorrect. The main purpose is to show how & why strictures occur and accordingly do their diagnosis and treatment 
b) show how and why certain new theories may be useful.   Correct. 1st para tells us how strictures occur and 2nd para tells us why the theory drawn in 1st para is important (for diagnosis & treatment)  
c) expound upon the differences between invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques.  Incorrect. Not the main purpose 
d) illustrate the process used in the development of a hypothesis.  Incorrect. the main purpose is not to tell how we arrived at this theory 
e) counter assertions made by the mainstream medical community.  Incorrect. The passage says that according to a recent research most often cause of strictures is surgery. So, we are not denying that strictures may occur due to poor diet & alcohol abuse. Moreover this part only comes in 1st para, 2nd para exclusively focuses on how the hypothesis given in para 1 is important for choosing diagnosis and treatment methodology

2. 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?

The following excerpts help us infer

"the type of surgery performed has a causal effect on where the stricture occurs within the duct system."

"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." 
 
a) Having the patient fill out a questionnaire about the patient’s diet and habits over the previous ten years  Incorrect 
b) Allowing the patient to undergo certain surgical techniques but without the use of anesthetic  Incorrect 
c) Pinpointing certain areas of the duct system based on the patient’s history of surgery and then conducting ultrasound scans   Correct. This will help in locating the possible location of stricture  
d) Considering the patient’s entire medical history with a focus on the types of medications the patient has taken  https://gmatclub.com/chat can be taken for various purposes. We want to know if surgery occurred as it is the most often cause 
e) Examining the patient’s urine and saliva and taking samples from the patient’s pores  Incorrect. If patient has taken antibiotics then these signs will not be visible

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would lead to the easiest detection of possible bile duct strictures?

Easiest detection should be something which involves minimum effort. From the following excerpt of the passage we can infer the answer
 
a) Knowledge of a patient’s history of alcoholism  Incorrect. 
b) Knowledge of a patient’s history of surgery  This one was a tough contender but rejected it because not all surgeries may lead to strictures but signs mentioned in excerpt give a high probability of presence of strictures  
c) Microendoscopic examination of the bile duct system  Incorrect 
d) The presence of dark, discolored urine and saliva   Correct  
e) An ultrasound scan of the entire bile duct system  Incorrect.

4. If correct, which of the theoretical ideas mentioned in the first paragraph would be most helpful to a doctor performing an ultrasound scan to detect bile duct strictures?

Most helpful for detection would be the knowing the type of surgery performed

a) The theory that particular types of surgery cause strictures in particular areas of the duct system   Correct  
b) The theory that lifestyle choices and diet contribute to the development of strictures  Incorrect 
c) The theory that the use of anesthetics promotes the buildup of excess bile in the ducts  Incorrect. Can't help in location 
d) The theory that bile duct strictures are provoked by invasive procedures such as surgery  Incorrect. Helps to know strictures may be present but no info about locale 
e) The theory that extra bile becomes crystallized in the duct system and causes blockage  Incorrect

Gowtham91 · Answer

Q1.
A. Although these are the symptoms shown by a person with strictures, the author is not promoting the examination of secretions and excretions. 
 B. Correct  The first sentence of the 2nd para is the key. "These new ideas could have a profound impact on the diagnosis of strictures"
C. This is mentioned and the differences are explained. But this is done to support the primary purpose of the passage (option B)
D. No such process is described.
E. This is done in 1st para. The author mentions that long standing belief is wrong. But this is not the main purpose of the passage.

Q2.
A. The opening sentence of the passage rules out this option. "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"
B. This option is correct if as a preventive measure to avoid strictures due to invasive surgical procedures.
 C. Correct  This can be inferred from the last sentence of the para2. "Without some empirical evidence of where the blockage is occurring or some theory that could successfully pinpoint its location, an ultrasound scan could be a quixotic endeavor." This means once the surgical location is known and then ultrasound technique is used, then it strictures can be easily located. 
D. This is a close answer. The success rate in this procedure is 50%. If this is carried out the outcome may or may not indicate the presence of strictures. Say after studying the medications taken by the patient, we realise that the patient had taken the antibiotics and multivitamin medication. Now we dont know whether the symptoms are not shown because of the use of the medication or actually the patient does not have strictures. 
E. This can't yield success if the patient is under symptoms masking medication.

Q3.
A. This is ruled out in the para1 first sentence.
B. This will not help. This will enable us to know whether are not invasive procedures are carried out on the patient in the past. There might be a case, when the patient is exposed to invasive procedure in the past and still may not result in the strictures. How will we find out ?
C. Using this process, we can find out the presence of strictures. But this is not the easiest process as it it involves a surgical process.
 D. Correct  This is the easiest way to detect the presence of strictures. Even a layman without a sound medical knowledge can also detect the presence of strictures. 
E. Same as C.

Q4. 
 A. Correct.  This theory will help doctor to scan the exact location where the strictures occur. 
B. This will not help because this is a ruled out option as per para1 1st sentence.
C. This is already confirmed in para1. This theory will not help doctor to locate the the strictures.
D. Same as C.
E. Same as C.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OAs of this RC are posted now, If anyone have any question kindly let me know.

1. B
2. C
3. D
4. A

Explanations rankings are as follow:

1. AnirudhaS & Gautam12121991
2. varun325, abcdddddd & GDT.

Nrj0601 · Answer

OFFICIAL KAPLAN EXPLANATION

Question 1 
(A) is incorrect. The author discusses the diagnosis of bile duct strictures through urine, saliva, and pus in the second paragraph; however, he does not discuss it elsewhere nor does he recommend that this method should be used.
(B) is correct. In a generally worded way, it encapsulates the author’s purpose in writing this passage. The author is trying to show how some new theories about what causes bile duct strictures can be useful in the detection of these strictures.
(C) is incorrect. The author discusses invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques in the third paragraph, but does not go into great detail about (expounding upon) the differences. In fact, all that he really says is that the invasive techniques may actually cause strictures to occur.
(D) is incorrect. The author mentions a few theories and hypotheses but does not go into detail about how these were formed.
(E) is incorrect because while the passage does deal with new information that counters what has “long been assumed,” there is no indication that it is anyone other than the mainstream medical community that is finding this new information in the first place.

TAKEAWAY: A choice for a Global question that refers to only one aspect of the passage, something that is perhaps discussed in only one paragraph, would not be broad enough to represent the author’s overall purpose.

Question 2 
(A) is incorrect. It makes reference to the old ideas about the cause of bile duct strictures - the notion that diet and alcohol abuse were causative factors. This ignores the main purpose of the passage, which is the development of newer theories.
(B) is incorrect. The passage does note that anesthetic might contribute to the development of strictures in the bile duct system. Perhaps, if a doctor didn’t use anesthetic during surgery (which, of course, would be very painful for the patient!), the patient wouldn’t get strictures, but the question is asking about diagnosing strictures, not about preventing them.
(C) matches the prediction and is correct. As paragraph one says, the location of previous surgery has a causal effect on where strictures occur. Thus, prior surgical history might be used to get an idea of where a stricture is, and then the noninvasive techniques described in paragraph three can pinpoint the stricture's location.
(D) is incorrect. The passage mentions medications (antibiotics specifically) to show that these things mask the easy diagnosis of strictures (the secretions and excretions). If a doctor knew that a patient was taking antibiotics, the doctor might then known that he will not be able to rely on secretions and excretions to diagnose strictures, but he will still not have actually diagnosed anything. So, this method is not enough.
(E) is incorrect. This method would work only if the patient were not taking multivitamins or antibiotics. And since the passage states that surgery may cause most strictures and that surgical patients often take antibiotics, this method would not be beneficial to most people with strictures.

TAKEAWAY: Use your passage map to direct your research for Inference questions that do not provide clear reference clues in their question stems.

Question 3 
(A) is incorrect. There is no guaranteed link between alcohol abuse and strictures—in fact, the passage seems to consider the notion that alcohol abuse causes strictures outdated.
(B) is incorrect. It is stated in the passage that there may be a correspondence between certain types of surgery and the location of bile duct strictures caused by the surgery. However, just knowing a patient’s surgical history would not help a doctor to diagnose a stricture. She would still need to perform some type of scan.
(C) is incorrect. The last paragraph of the passage implies that scans, even ultrasound or MRI scans, would not be helpful unless a more precise locale could be “pinned down.” It can be inferred that the same trouble would occur with invasive scans such as microendoscopy. Furthermore, it is stated that these types of techniques may actually cause strictures to form.
(D) is correct. Checking to see if a patient’s urine or saliva is dark and discolored would be the easiest method of detecting the possibility of bile duct strictures.
(E) is incorrect. The last paragraph of the passage implies that scans, even ultrasound or MRI scans, would not be helpful without a precise locale to search. Scanning the entire duct system would just be a blind search.

TAKEAWAY: Remember that most Inference questions do not require a lot of deduction. Often the correct answer can be determined simply by connecting some dots between statements made in the text.

Question 4 
(A) matches the prediction and is correct. This theory would, in fact, help pinpoint the location of strictures.
(B) is incorrect. The theory that diet and alcohol abuse cause strictures would not help a doctor find the strictures, as no specific location would be suggested.
(C) is incorrect. This theory is about what causes the strictures, not about where they are located.
(D) is incorrect. Knowing what causes a stricture does not provide enough information (if any) about where the stricture is located.
(E) is incorrect. This choice is not even a real theory but is a fact about how strictures are formed: excess bile gets stuck and crystallizes, causing a blockage.

TAKEAWAY: Some Inference questions direct you to specific parts of the passage, but also require you to consider other sections of the text.

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