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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "A Special Year," why was the author concerned about his wife traveling to Australia?
(a) She would have to quit a lucrative job.
(b) She was pregnant and on bed rest.
(c) She would have to leave all of her close friends.
(d) She hated warm climates.

2. Denise's surgery, in "Little Beth," confirmed for the author that when people know their _____ and they know their job, it doesn't matter who _____ them.
(a) Enemies/Attacks.
(b) Weaknesses/Supports.
(c) Capabilities/Opposes.
(d) Profession/Hires.

3. What affiliation did the author and his wife have that opened doors for them in Australia?
(a) They were Yale alumni.
(b) They were Black Americans.
(c) They belonged to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
(d) They lived in Michigan.

4. In "The Rest of Their Story," what did the author say headlines read after the twins' surgery?
(a) Twins blind from surgery.
(b) It's all in God's hands.
(c) Twins may not survive.
(d) Dr. Carson a hero.

5. What news did Maranda's parents receive about her diagnosis at UCLA Medical Center?
(a) The doctors saw no evidence of inflammation on her brain.
(b) The results were inconclusive.
(c) Her condition was inoperable.
(d) The doctors believed a new drug would cure her.

6. What does the author say a "four plus" did at the hospital?
(a) Instructed how much coffee was needed.
(b) Informed how long an operation would be.
(c) Galvanized everyone into action.
(d) Indicated the number of surgeons required to attend neurosurgery grand rounds.

7. What did the CT scan show after Beth's surgery in "Little Beth"?
(a) Her brain stem was swollen.
(b) She was bleeding.
(c) A parasite.
(d) A mysterious mass.

8. What does the author say was a "golden opportunity," where there would be no outcries over Denise Baca's hemispherectomy?
(a) When a judge ordered the operation.
(b) When Denise's family and friends held a candlelight vigil.
(c) When the author was asked to televise the procedure.
(d) When his critic left for an overseas conference.

9. What did the author and Dr. Udvarhelyi end up talking about extensively in the interview for Johns Hopkins?
(a) Classical music.
(b) Detroit.
(c) Metal rings.
(d) Yale.

10. In "The Rest of Their Story," the author says the twins were given phenobarbitol in order to do what?
(a) Fight off infection.
(b) Regulate blood pressure.
(c) Put the babies in a coma.
(d) Reduce brain swelling.

11. What significant sign of recovery did Maranda show after her hemispherectomy?
(a) She slept.
(b) She sat up on the gurney.
(c) She talked.
(d) She had little swelling.

12. What did the author find a technique for that involves placing metal rings on the back and front of the skull?
(a) Taking better x-rays of the brain.
(b) Finding the foramen ovale.
(c) Curing headaches.
(d) Removing brain tumors.

13. In " Three Special Children," what does the author say is heartbreaking to watch parents do?
(a) Second guess their decisions.
(b) Let tragedies tear their relationships apart.
(c) Bury a child.
(d) Sit by the bedside of a comatose child.

14. How did Beth Usher, in "Little Beth," receive a bump that later caused her first seizure?
(a) She was stung by a bee.
(b) She fell from a swing.
(c) She was hit with a baseball.
(d) She ran into a wall.

15. What happened when the author pulled Craig's tumorous growth in his brain stem, during his surgery?
(a) Craig began to bleed excessively.
(b) The author heard God's voice.
(c) The author suddenly felt lightheaded.
(d) It came free in one gigantic blob.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Susan recalled her story in "Craig and Susan," who did she tell God she was like from the Bible?

2. What happened when the Hopkins team tried to put Beth's diseased hemisphere to sleep?

3. What reason does the author give for not wanting to travel to Australia, in "A Special Year"?

4. The author says he was hooked the first few times he looked down upon what?

5. In "Family Affairs," why does the author believe his wife, Candy, is able to cope with his long hours?

(see the answer keys)

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