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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During what year of his training does Gawande have a chance to attend a surgeons convention?

2. At what convention center was the surgeon's conference held?

3. How much might it cost in most hospitals to repair a hernia?

4. How much did a robotic surgery device cost that Gawande's department purchased?

5. What percentage of workers' compensation payments are paid to sufferers of back pain?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some problems with malpractice suits as a remedy for preventing harm to patients?

2. What is the Texas-sharpshooter fallacy?

3. Why did Gawande recommend removing the appendix of a thirty-nine-year-old woman who did not fit the pattern for appendicitis?

4. What did Gawande have in his pockets during his first weeks of surgical training?

5. How is Shouldice Hospital designed for hernia patients?

6. Describe the technical exhibit hall.

7. Where can doctors candidly discuss medical mistakes?

8. Why do many experts believe that the M&M is a shabby approach to analyzing error and improving performance in medicine?

9. Why was there no reason to operate on Quinlan's back?

10. What was Hank Goodman's reputation before he lost his license?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the book, argue whether child abuse can or cannot be proven using scientific methods.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the uncertainty that is a core part of medicine and some proposed solutions for the problem. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Argue whether or not medicine can or should be automated as much as possible. Use examples from Complications.

(see the answer keys)

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