Question

You are reading a research study where the researchers are investigating osteoarthritis pain. In the study, subjects are given either an anti-inflammatory drug injection or a saline injection to reduce osteoarthritis joint pain. A study subject reported that since she received her study injection, her arthritis pain does not seem to have improved. In fact, her pain is getting worse. What is a possible reason for her continued osteoarthritis pain? The research subject likely received the anti-inflammatory study drug, but it just has not yet taken effect. The research subject is resistant to anti-inflammatory agents. The research subject likely received a placebo injection, such as saline. The research subject has an allergy to anti-inflammatory agents.

Answer 1

As per the article, the osteoarthiritis pain is getting worse after giving the 'anit-inflammatory' drug.

out of the four options,

1) The research subject likely received the anti-inflammatory study drug, but it just has not yet taken effect.

this can not be true because the pain has increased, if the drug is ineffective, the pain must not get worse.

2) The research subject is resistant to anti-inflammatory agents.

This is same as the option 1, the effect is not taking but the pain must not get worse.

3) The research subject likely received a placebo injection, such as saline.

this option is also not true because saline is a placibo that can reduce the pain or atleast the pain will not increase.

4) The research subject has an allergy to anti-inflammatory agents.

This says that the subject is allergic to anti-inflammatory drug which is supported by the fact that pain has increased after giving the injection. So, this will be the correct reason of increase in pain.

So, option 4 is the correct explanation.

Hope the description is satisfactory. Further queries can be asked.

Thank you.