9. A new drug has been developed that, when administered to stroke victims within three hours after the onset of a stroke, increases their chances of making a complete recovery by 50 percent. Yet even though the drug is likely to be approved for widespread use for stroke victims by next year, a dramatic increase in the stroke recovery rate is unlikely for some time, for the simple reason that __________Which of the following most logically completes the argument?
Answer: E
The symptoms of stroke are typically so subtle that they are rarely recognized as signs of a medical emergency.
Even though the new drug can significantly enhance recovery chances for stroke victims when administered promptly, the increase in recovery rates will be hindered because strokes often present with subtle symptoms that may not prompt immediate medical attention.
A) government and private insurance policies will not reimburse patients for drugs that have not been approved for widespread use among its intended beneficiaries
This option is incorrect because it addresses financial aspects of drug approval rather than the recognition and timely treatment of strokes. The argument is focused on why a dramatic increase in recovery rates may not occur, which is not related to reimbursement policies.
B) the drug has been approved already for use on people who have suffered heart attacks
This option is also incorrect as it does not relate to the specific context of stroke recovery rates. The approval of the drug for heart attack victims does not impact the likelihood of recognizing stroke symptoms or the timing of treatment.
C) in coming years growing numbers of people will be of an age at which the likelihood of suffering a stroke is greatest
While this option discusses demographics, it does not address the immediate issue of recognizing stroke symptoms. The argument revolves around the urgency and awareness of stroke signs rather than an increase in the population at risk.
D) another drug being tested for treatment of strokes appears to be effective when given as late as twenty-four hours after the stroke's onset
This option is incorrect because it introduces a competing treatment but does not explain why the recovery rate will not increase immediately. The effectiveness of another drug does not mitigate the issue of recognizing strokes in time to administer any treatment.
E) the symptoms of stroke are typically so subtle that they are rarely recognized as signs of a medical emergency
This option accurately completes the argument by highlighting that the subtlety of stroke symptoms can lead to delays in treatment. As a result, even with an effective drug available, many patients may not receive it in the critical time frame needed for maximum benefit.
Conclusion
The correct answer is E because it directly addresses the crux of the argument regarding the recognition of stroke symptoms and the impact on timely treatment. All other options fail to connect to the reason why recovery rates may not improve significantly despite the availability of an effective drug. The subtlety of stroke symptoms poses a significant barrier to timely intervention, thereby limiting the potential impact of the newly developed medication.