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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. Howe does Hermann compare to Ben Taub and Methodist Hospital?

2. What changed as a result of the courts' revisions to the founder's will?

3. Why does Patrick choose the treatment option he does, in Chapter 20?

4. What does Sally do after leaving Hermann?

5. What do Lin, Randy and Cindy discuss at the beginning of Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Oria Dismuke after Patrick's death?

2. What happens with Taylor's ventilator in Chapter 13?

3. Who is Cindy Walker?

4. How does Hermann fit in with the other two hospitals in Houston?

5. What are Hazel Mitchell's responsibilities at Hermann?

6. How does Armando behave with his nurses at Hermann?

7. What are the other two hospitals in Houston?

8. What is Armando's condition, as described in the Epilogue?

9. Who was the founder of Hermann Hospital, and how did he make his fortune?

10. What condition does Landon have, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sometimes, as in Taylor's case, the life support that keeps a patient alive also damages their health. What do you think should be done in such a case? At what point do the risks of the treatment outweigh the benefits? How can this be decided? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the actions and personalities of Patrick and Armando. What is different about their relationships with the hospital staff, and why? What are the similarities and differences in their home situations? What do you think would have happened if they had met? Why do they have such different attitudes about their respective illnesses? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Belkin states that the book is about "making choices, and living with them." How well do you think the book conveys this message? Why? Is there anything that Belkin could have done differently to convey the message better? If so, what? Who has to live with the decisions that are made in the book? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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