Error in AAMC 4 Biology?

[medbuster]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I think there is an error in this AAMC 4 biology question:

Basically, the question asks about compensation mechanism for fever in septic shock. My problem with this question is that it doesn't mention compensation to what, fever itself or the septic shock. The whole passage is about causes (hypotension) and prevention of septic shock so it is reasonable to assume compensation to septic shock. However, dilation of capillary bed, which is the right answer, actually makes the matter worse as it further reduces the blood pressure but it does compensate for fever as it increases heat loss. I picked decreased fluid loss b/c that's the only choice that increases blood pressure.

For those who have taken MCAT, how likely is it to come across such questions in the real thing? I have seen several other similar questions that are equally confusing. These questions are pretty damaging to the overall score if you're trying to score really high as each missed question is one lost point in 15-12 score range.

 

[Negrodamus]

You just got

 

[rHinO1]

The answer is clearly "a." The rest of what you said ignores the fact the question specifically asked about fever. Part of test taking is the ability to correctly interpret the question.

Also, I don't think you are allowed to post specific questions.

 

[RapplixGmed]

The body is not even going to try to vasoconstrict in septic shock because shock is by definition decompensated.

 

[medbuster]

Really? I'm new to this place. I'll modify the quote so that it deosn't reveal the question. Thanks for the heads up!

As for my question, so are we supposed to give priority to the question stem as opposed to the passage?

 

[mauberley]

As for my question, so are we supposed to give priority to the question stem as opposed to the passage?

Yes. You can't answer a question that hasn't been asked.

 

[AllDay24]

The question is obviously referring to fever not only because of the reasons mentioned by the posters above, but also because of the grammar of the sentence. I know it is basic, but fever is the subject of the sentence and "in septic shock" is a prepositional phrase, and prepositional phrases are never necessary for understanding meaning. Just want to make sure that you know the question is not ambiguous at all based on grammar.

Because of the fever, the body will respond by reducing the temperature by dilating blood vessels near the skin to allow for more warm blood to flow near the skin, through which it can be released through sweating.

 

[ksmi117]

Moving to the MCAT forum.