Deck 14: Health and Medicine

Question 1

The sick role is most closely associated with which theoretical perspective?

A) Functionalist
B) Conflict
C) Feminist
D) Symbolic interactionist

Answer 1

Health
Health refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It does not mean the absence of any kind of illness. The state of being free from illness and injuries is also defined as health. In order to maintain good health, the individual should take care of his health.
Medicine is an important part of the health care system. It will cure the diseases and improve the health of an individual.
Statement:
Conflict theorists have a macro level perspective and they say about the increasing inequalities and profit motive in the health care system. Feminist perspective states that women are lagging behind in availing proper health care facilities. It reduces their earnings. Symbolic interactionists say that the diseases are socially created and it increases the power of medical institutions.
Hence, options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Justification:
Functionalists are of the view that illness makes people dysfunctional. In order to maintain good health, the individual should take care of his health. People suffering from various illnesses should seek the assistance of medical professionals.
Hence, the option
is correct.

Question 2

_________is the top preventable lifestyle health hazard.

A) Obesity
B) Drug abuse
C) Sexually transmitted diseases
D) Smoking

Answer 2

Health
Health refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It does not mean the absence of any kind of illness. The state of being free from illness and injuries is also defined as health. In order to maintain good health, the individual should take care of his health.
Medicine is an important part of the health care system. It will cure the diseases and improve the health of an individual.
Statement:
Obesity is an increasing issue among children and adults. Eating habits and food preferences are the major reasons for obesity. Drug abuse is another life-style related health hazard. Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs leads to long-term health hazards. Sexually transmitted diseases are transferred through unprotected sex.
Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.
Justification:
Smoking is a deadly habit that leads to death and disability. The life expectancy of smokers is much lesser when compared to nonsmokers. Usage of tobacco leads to heart attack, lung disorders, and other deadly diseases.
Hence, the option
is correct.

Question 3

Some have hailed the________as an important milestone in U.S. health care reform.

A) AMA
B) DSM
C) ACA
D) HMO

Answer 3

Health
Health refers to the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It does not mean the absence of any kind of illness. The state of being free from illness and injuries is also defined as health. In order to maintain good health, the individual should take care of his health.
Medicine is an important part of the health care system. It will cure the diseases and improve the health of an individual.
Statement:
Country A's medical association provides medical care to those who subscribe the service for a fixed fee. The government and non-governmental organizations arrange several insurance services and medical care facilities. It helps the poor people to avail good and economically feasible health care facilities.
Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.
Justification:
The Affordable care act (ACA) directs every individual to have a health insurance. Otherwise, they will have to pay fine. This act ensures free preventive health services and doctor's consultancy by insurers for those who are in need.
Hence, the option
is correct.

Question 4

Which one of the following statements about U.S. health and medicine is false!

A) Illness and death rates vary considerably, especially by social class.
B) According to functionalists, the medical profession and health care industry maintain the status quo because of the medical-industrial complex.
C) Women use more health care services than men do.
D) According to symbolic interactionists, physicians, mental rights advocates, and parents all benefit from medicalization.

Question 5

One of the most common criticisms of _______theories is that they often ignore the contributions of medical and health care systems.

A) functionalist
B) conflict
C) feminist
D) symbolic interaction

Question 6

True or False Acute diseases increase as people age.

Question 7

True or False Texas has the largest number of uninsured residents.

Question 8

True or False Gender rating is the practice of charging men more than women for identical health care plans.

Question 9

True or False All states have obesity rates equal to or greater than 30 percent.

Question 10

True or False From a functionalist perspective, physicians play a key role as gatekeepers for the sick role.

Question 11

Is government-paid health care a basic human right? Or should be limited to taxpayers? Explain your answer. Be as specific as possible, and incorporate the material in this chapter such as health care in other countries and the ACA.

Question 12

Provide any two limitations of functionalist, conflict, feminist, and symbolic interactionist theories in explaining health and medicine. (Extra points if you add a third limitation for each theory that's not discussed in this chapter.)