Question

medicine and surgery ... why is it crucial for doctors to be able to handle the weight of responsibility for people’s lives? treatment always works for patients that are sick. small mistakes can cost patients their lives. it maintains a thriving professional reputation.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: "Treatment always works for patients that are sick" is incorrect because treatments don't always work, and the passage emphasizes the responsibility of doctors due to the potential consequences of mistakes, not the effectiveness of treatment.
• Option 2: "Small mistakes can cost patients their lives" aligns with the passage's statement that doctors must handle the weight of responsibility because mistakes in diagnosis or treatment can be fatal, as mentioned in the text ("Doctors also need to be sure they can bear the weight of responsibility for people’s lives because mistaken diagnosis, and thus one’s own lives").
• Option 3: "It maintains a thriving professional reputation" is incorrect because the passage focuses on the direct impact on patients' lives, not professional reputation.

Answer:

B. Small mistakes can cost patients their lives