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Information and IdeasVery hardReading a table of hospital waiting times by department

Information and Ideas practice question

Median wait for a first appointment (weeks) Department | Patients per year | 2022 | 2024 Skin | 4,000 | 6 | 14 Eyes | 12,000 | 10 | 9 Hearts | 8,000 | 8 | 8 A manager argues that although the skin department has the fewest patients, ____

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

  1. A. its median wait has more than doubled, from 6 weeks to 14, while the larger eye and heart departments have held or improved their waits.Correct
  2. B. the eye department sees 12,000 patients a year.
  3. C. the heart department's wait was 8 weeks in both years.
  4. D. the eye department's wait fell from 10 weeks to 9.

Answer: A. its median wait has more than doubled, from 6 weeks to 14, while the larger eye and heart departments have held or improved their waits.

Smallest department, worst deterioration.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the eye department sees 12,000 patients a year.
About eyes, no contrast.
C. the heart department's wait was 8 weeks in both years.
About hearts alone.
D. the eye department's wait fell from 10 weeks to 9.
About eyes alone.

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