Multiple choice

Headaches can often be effectively relieved by over-the-counter medication, without necessitating a physician’s oversight. However, doctors warn against employment of this simple strategy for recurring or particularly long-lasting headaches, even if such medication can provide relief. Since such headaches are often symptomatic of more serious maladies, sufferers are strongly advised instead to consult their physicians.

Which of the following conclusions is most strongly supported by the statements above?

  1. The greater the pain associated with a particular headache, the more serious the underlying cause.

  2. In some cases physicians advise against seeking immediate relief from pain.

  3. Some headaches cannot be relieved with over-the-counter medications.

  4. Physicians tend to focus less on pain relief rather than on other physical symptoms.

  5. Over-the-counter medication cannot provide effective relief of a headache if the underlying cause is a serious malady.
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B Correct answer
Explanation

(1) The greater the pain associated with a particular headache, the more serious the underlying cause.

There's no mention of a connection between the headache severity and severity of its underlying cause.

(2) In some cases physicians advise against seeking immediate relief from pain.
In some cases (headaches with more serious underlying causes), physicians advise against seeking immediate relief (OTC meds) and strongly advise that individuals consult their physicians.
(3) Some headaches cannot be relieved with over-the-counter medications.
"..even if such medication can provide relief" suggests that this statement cannot be supported.
(4) Physicians tend to focus less on pain relief rather than on other physical symptoms. -There's no mention of this.
(5) Over-the-counter medication cannot provide effective relief of a headache if the underlying cause is a serious malady. The text says "even if such medication can provide relief." However there's no distinction between more serious or less serious maladies.

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