OET TEST MATERIAL

OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST

READING SUB-TEST
NURSING

Reading Test – Part A

Time allowed: 15 minutes

Complete the following summary using the information in the four texts
provided.

You do not need to read each text from beginning to end to complete the
task. You should

Scan the texts to find the information you need.

Gaps may require 1, 2 or 3 words.

You should write your answers next to the appropriate number in the right-
hand column.

Please use correct spelling in your responses.

Text 1

Short Bowel Syndrome (sometimes referred to as SBS) is a disorder that

affects people who have had large portions of their small intestine surgically
removed as a result of a digestive illness, such as Crohn’s disease.
Approximately 10,000–20,000 people in the United States have short bowel
syndrome.

Short bowel syndrome in neonates may be present at birth due to a

congenital anomaly or may develop in older infants and children as a result
of disease or trauma, occurring later in life. SBS usually caused by massive
intestinal resection, do not always strictly correlate with the length of the
remaining small intestine.

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Those who are at risk include: Babies (usually premature) who have had
surgery for NEC and Patients who have had surgery for volvulus (twisting of
the intestines), Patients born with narrowing or obstruction of their intestine,
Patients with intestinal pseudo-obstruction or abnormal motility of the
bowel, Patients after having parts of the intestine removed for other reasons
(e.g. tumors, abnormal blood supply, strictures, etc.), Patients with damage
to their intestines from radiation therapy and Patients born with abnormally
short small intestine.

Text 2

The most common symptom of short bowel syndrome is chronic (long-term)

diarrhea. This, in turn, can cause malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss.
These problems can become life-threatening if not treated properly.

Other symptoms of short bowel syndrome may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Bloating

• Heartburn

• Flatulence (intestinal gas)

• Steatorrhea (oily and/or foul-smelling stool)

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Bacterial infections

• Food sensitivities

Text 3

Short bowel syndrome can be accompanied by a number of complications.

These include:

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Kidney stones: Decreased absorption of fats, calcium, and bile salts in the
bowel can cause kidney stones, which are known to decrease urine flow from
the kidneys to the bladder, impair kidney function, and cause pain.

Electrolyte abnormalities: Electrolytes —such as potassium, sodium, and

magnesium—are minerals that control important functions in the body.
Unbalanced electrolytes can result in irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness,
headache, and nausea.

Text 4

One of the major complications that take part in SBS is listed down:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Short bowel syndrome can affect the
amount of vitamins that the body absorbs, sometimes with serious
consequences. For instance, a lack of vitamin B12 can result in damage to
the brain and nerves in the spinal cord, while a deficiency in vitamin E can
cause swelling and poor muscle coordination. Too little vitamin C can lead to
problems with the gums and skin. Reduced absorption of vitamin D and
calcium can cause osteoporosis and lead to fractures. In addition, the
diarrhea commonly associated with short bowel syndrome can result in low
mineral levels such as zinc and magnesium, sometimes leading to skin
rashes, muscle cramping, and irregular heart rhythms.

In addition to these, bacterial overgrowth or gastric hyper secretions can

also be very complicated.

Summary

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs when a significant portion of the

1…………….. does not function normally. This can occur if a large part of the
intestine has been 2…………..removed or if a 3……….. is born with an
abnormally 4……… intestine. Those who are at risk can include: Babies who
have had surgery for NEC, Patients who have had surgery for
5……….(twisting of the intestines), Patients with intestinal resection for
6………..Patients with 7………… or abnormal motility of the bowel or Patients
born with 8……… small intestine. Symptoms of SBS may include: Diarrhea,

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9………or weight loss, 10……., Poor appetite, increased gas, foul smelling
stools, 11………., pallor, 12………. etc. There are complications too which are
closely associated with 13………. which can well be summarized as: Failure to
thrive, the child does not gain 14……..according to the growth curve, 15……..,
Vitamin 16………. as a result of poor absorption in the 17…………, 18……. from
excess stomach acid, 19…….overgrowth in areas of dilated intestine, Kidney
20……. or 21….. due to poor absorption of calcium or bile etc.

Reading Test

Reading Passage 1

Classification of Seizures

Paragraph 1

In order to communicate about types of seizures, epilepsy specialists have

developed a classification system for seizures. This system is not based on
any fundamental property of seizures, but rather on committee-generated
conventions of terminology. Classification is as follows: Partial Seizures and
Generalized Seizures. Partial seizures are further divided into simple partial
seizures with no alteration of consciousness or memory, or complex partial
seizures with alteration of consciousness or memory. Simple partial seizures
can be motor seizures with twitching, abnormal sensations, abnormal
visions, sounds or smells, and distortions of perception. Seizure activity can
spread to the autonomic nervous system, resulting in flushing, tingling, or
nausea. If the patient becomes confused or cannot remember what is
happening during the seizure, then the seizure is classified as a complex
partial seizure. They previously were called ―psychomotor seizures‖,
―temporal lobe seizures‖ or ―limbic seizures‖. During the complex partial
seizure patients may fumble or perform automatic fragments of activity such
as lip smacking, picking at their clothes, walking around aimlessly, or saying
nonsense phrases over and over again. These purposeless activities are
called automatisms. About 75% of people with complex partial seizures have

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automatisms. Those who do not simply stop stare and blank out for a few
seconds to minutes

Paragraph 2

Generalized seizures are divided into absence seizures and tonic-clonic

seizures. Absence seizures previously were called petit mal seizures.
Absence seizures usually have onset in childhood, but they can persist into
adulthood. Absence seizures present with staring spells lasting several
seconds, sometimes in conjunction with eyelid fluttering or head nodding.
These seizures can be difficult to distinguish from complex partial seizures
that also may result in staring. Absence seizures usually are briefer and
permit quicker recovery. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures previously were
called grand mal seizures. These seizures start with sudden loss of
consciousness and tonic activity (stiffening) followed by clonic activity
(rhythmic jerking) of the limbs. The patient’s eyes will roll up at the
beginning of the seizure and the patient will typically emit a cry, not because
of pain, but because of contraction of the respiratory muscles against a
closed throat. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures usually last one to three
minutes

Paragraph 3

Seizures that begin focally can spread to the entire brain, in which case a
tonic-clonic seizure ensues. It is important, however, to distinguish those
that are true grand mal, generalized from the start, from those that start
focally and secondarily generalize. Secondarily generalized seizures arise
from a part of the brain that is focally abnormal.

Drugs used to treat primarily and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic

seizures are different. Patients with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic
seizures may be candidates for curative epilepsy surgery whereas, primarily
generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not surgical candidates, because there
is no seizure origin site (focus) to remove.

Paragraph 4

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Seizure surgery is discussed below.

Atonic Seizures

Atonic seizures are epileptic drop attacks. Atonic seizures typically occur in
children or adults with widespread brain injuries. People with Atonic seizures
suddenly become limp and may fall to the ground. Football helmets are
sometimes required to protect against serious injuries.

Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizure is a brief un-sustained jerk or series of jerks, less

organized than the rhythmic jerks seen during a generalized tonic-clonic
seizure. Other specialized seizure types occasionally are encountered.

Tonic Seizures

Tonic seizures involve stiffening of muscles as the primary seizure

manifestation. Arms or legs may extend forward or up into the air.
Consciousness may or may not be lost. By definition, the clonic (jerking)
phase is absent.

Classification can be difficult, because stiffening is a feature of many

complex partial seizures. Tonic seizures, however, are much less common
than complex partial or tonic-clonic seizures.

Mixed Seizure Types

Patients can have more than one seizure type. One seizure type may
progress into another as the electrical activity spreads throughout the brain.
A typical progression is from a simple partial seizure, to a complex partial
seizure (when the patient becomes confused), to a secondarily generalized
tonic-clonic seizure (when the electrical activity has spread throughout the
entire brain). The brain has control mechanisms to keep seizures localized.
Anti- epileptic medications enhance the ability of the brain to limit spread of
a seizure.

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Questions

1 According to paragraph 1, motor seizures are

A Simple partial seizures

B Partial seizures

C Complex seizures

D Complex partial seizures

2 According to paragraph 1, in which type of seizure, the patient

doesn’t generally remember what is happening around

A simple partial

B Complex seizures

C Complex partial seizures

D partial temporal lobe seizures

3 According to passage 1, one of these activities is related to

automatism

A fumbling

B lip smacking

C speaking leisurely

D none

4 According to paragraph 2, which seizures lasts for one to three

minute

A simple partial seizures

B tonic-clonic seizures

C absence seizures

D none

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5 According to paragraph 3, which type of seizure occurs in
childhood and may persist in adulthood

A grand mal seizures

B petit mal seizures

C both A and B

D none

6 According to paragraph 3, which seizures arise from focally

abnormal part of the brain

A petit mal seizures

B grand mal seizures

C Secondarily generalized seizures

D Both B and C

7 According to paragraph 3, who may undergo surgery?

A patients with grand mal seizures

B patients with secondarily generalized seizures

C patients with primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures

D Both B and C

8 According to paragraph 4, which of the following statements is

right?

A jerking phase is absent in tonic seizures and Atonic seizures

B stiffening of muscles is associated with Atonic seizures

C development of simple to complex seizures is mixed seizure type

D jerking is associated with Myoclonic seizures only

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9 According to paragraph 4, which of the following statements is
wrong?

A People with Atonic seizures often become extremely limp

B tonic seizures are different from tonic-clonic seizures

C complex partial seizures are as common as tonic seizures

D rhythmic jerking is a characteristic feature of Myoclonic Seizures

10 According to paragraph 4, which one of them correctly describe

tonic seizures?

A rhythmic jerking

B stiffening of muscles

C loss of consciousness

D none

Reading Passage 2

Fascioliasis Infection

Paragraph 1

Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica,

which is also known as "the common liver fluke" or "the sheep liver fluke." A
related parasite, Fasciola gigantica, also can infect people. Fascioliasis is
found in all 5 continents, in over 50 countries, especially where sheep or
cattle are reared. People usually become infected by eating raw watercress
or other water plants contaminated with immature parasite larvae. The
immature larval flukes migrate through the intestinal wall, the abdominal
cavity, and the liver tissue, into the bile ducts, where they develop into
mature adult flukes, which produce eggs. The pathology typically is most
pronounced in the bile ducts and liver. Fasciola infection is both treatable
and preventable.

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Paragraph 2

Diagnosis

The standard way to be sure a person is infected with Fasciola is by seeing

the parasite. This is usually done by finding Fasciola eggs in stool (fecal)
specimens examined under a microscope. More than one specimen may
need to be examined to find the parasite. Sometimes eggs are found by
examining duodenal contents or bile.

Infected people don't start passing eggs until they have been infected for
several months; people don't pass eggs during the acute phase of the
infection. Therefore, early on, the infection has to be diagnosed in other
ways than by examining stool. Even during the chronic phase of infection, it
can be difficult to find eggs in stool specimens from people who have light
infections.

Paragraph 3

Fasciola parasites develop into adult flukes in the bile ducts of infected
mammals, which pass immature Fasciola eggs in their feces. The next part
of the life cycle occurs in freshwater. After several weeks, the eggs hatch,
producing a parasite form known as the miracidium, which then infects a
snail host. Under optimal conditions, the development process in the snail
may be completed in 5 to 7 weeks; cercariae are then shed in the water
around the snail. The cercariae lose their tails when they encyst as
metacercariae (infective larvae) on water plants. In contrast to cercariae,
metacercariae have a hard outer cyst wall and can survive for prolonged
periods in wet environments.

Paragraph 4

Immature Fasciola eggs are discharged in the biliary ducts and in the stool.
Eggs become embryonated in water; eggs release miracidia, which invade a
suitable snail intermediate host, including the genera Galba,
Fossaria and Pseudosuccinea. In the snail the parasites undergo several

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developmental stages (sporocysts, rediae, and cercariae ). The cercariae are
released from the snail and encyst as metacercariae on aquatic vegetation or
other surfaces. Mammals acquire the infection by eating vegetation
containing metacercariae. Humans can become infected by ingesting
metacercariae-containing freshwater plants, especially watercress. After
ingestion, the metacercariae excyst in the duodenum and migrate through
the intestinal wall, the peritoneal cavity, and the liver parenchyma into the
biliary ducts, where they develop into adult flukes.

Paragraph 5

Prevention and control

No vaccine is available to protect people against Fasciola infection.

In some areas of the world where Fascioliasis is found (endemic), special

control programs are in place or are planned. The types of control measures
depend on the setting (such as epidemiologic, ecologic, and cultural factors).
Strict control of the growth and sale of watercress and other edible water
plants is important.

Individual people can protect themselves by not eating raw watercress and
other water plants, especially from endemic grazing areas. As always,
travelers to areas with poor sanitation should avoid food and water that
might be contaminated (tainted). Vegetables grown in fields that might have
been irrigated with polluted water should be thoroughly cooked, as should
viscera from potentially infected animals.

Paragraph 6

In the early (acute) phase, symptoms can occur as a result of the parasite's
migration from the intestine to and through the liver. Symptoms can include
gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
pain/tenderness. Fever, rash, and difficulty breathing may occur.

During the chronic phase (after the parasite settles in the bile ducts), the
clinical manifestations may be similar or more discrete, reflecting

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inflammation and blockage of bile ducts, which can be intermittent.
Inflammation of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas also can occur.

Questions

1 According to paragraph 1, which one of the following statements is

right?

A infection caused by Fasciola spreads faster than other type of infections

B infection by Fasciola is deadly

C infection by Fasciola is treatable

D infection by Fasciola is very common

2 Paragraph two talks about

A diagnosis

B treatment

C spread of infection

D none

3 According to paragraph 2, in which phase, it is not easy to find the

eggs in the stool

A chronic phase

B infective phase

C acute phase

D A and B

4 Paragraph three, talks about

A biology of Fasciola hepatica

B time period in snail

C initial stages of the development of the parasite

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D complete life cycle

5 According to paragraph 3, this form survive for longer period of

time

A cercariae

B metacercariae

C miracidia,

D Fasciola eggs

6 Paragraph 4 talks about

A how infection occurs in man

B how animals get infected

C how plants get infected

D all of the above

7 According to paragraph excystation occurs in

A Intestinal wall

B Duodenum

C peritoneal cavity

D liver

8 Paragraph 5 talks about

A Prevention and control

B availability of the treatment for the infection

C drugs to be used

D A and C

9 According to paragraph 5, one of the statements is wrong?

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A special programs shall be organized for the controlling of the disease

B people should not eat raw watercress

C sale of watercress shall be stopped

D none

10 Paragraph 6 talks about

A how infection is controlled

B how infection spreads through bile ducts and liver

C how infection is prevented from spreading to different parts

D possibility of infection spreading to other parts of the body

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