Question 1: Explain the significance of germ theory in the development of modern medicine. How did it change medical practices in the 19th century?

Answer: Germ theory proved that microorganisms cause disease, leading to improved hygiene, sterilization, and the development of vaccines and antiseptics. It shifted medical practice from miasma theories to scientific methods, reducing infection and saving lives.

Question 2: Describe two major advances in medical technology or treatment from the 20th century and explain their impact on patient care.

Answer: One advance is the development of antibiotics, such as penicillin, which effectively treat bacterial infections and drastically reduce mortality. Another is the invention of X-ray imaging, which allows doctors to see inside the body non-invasively, improving diagnosis and treatment.

Question 3: Discuss how the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 changed the course of medicine.

Answer: Penicillin was the first effective antibiotic, enabling doctors to treat bacterial infections that were often fatal before. Its discovery marked the start of the antibiotic era, reducing deaths from infections and transforming surgical and medical treatment.

Question 4: Identify and explain two ways in which public health initiatives have contributed to improvements in medicine in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Answer: Public health campaigns promoting vaccination have led to the eradication or reduction of diseases like smallpox and polio. Improved sanitation and hygiene initiatives have decreased the spread of infectious diseases, increasing lifespan and overall health.

Question 5: Draw a timeline illustrating key developments in modern medicine from 1800 to the present day. Include at least five major events or inventions.

Answer: A correct timeline would include: 1867 - Louis Pasteur develops germ theory; 1928 - Discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming; 1953 - Watson and Crick discover the structure of DNA; 1978 - First successful gene therapy; 2000s - Advances in robotic surgery and personalized medicine.

Question 6: Explain how the development of vaccines has impacted global health. Provide two specific examples.

Answer: Vaccines have prevented the spread of deadly diseases, saving millions of lives. For example, the smallpox vaccine led to the eradication of smallpox, and the polio vaccine has nearly eliminated polio worldwide.

Question 7: Describe the role of the NHS in the development and delivery of modern medicine in the UK.

Answer: The NHS, established in 1948, provides free healthcare, making modern medical treatments accessible to all. It has facilitated widespread implementation of new treatments, vaccines, and innovations, improving health outcomes across the UK.

Question 8: Compare two different approaches to medical treatment from the 19th century and today.

Answer: In the 19th century, treatment was often based on herbal remedies, bloodletting, and superstition. Today, treatments are evidence-based, involving precise surgeries, antibiotics, and advanced technology, leading to more effective and safer patient care.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram of the process of sterilization used in modern hospitals. Label the main steps involved.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sterilizer (autoclave), with labels indicating steps like packaging instruments, placing them in the sterilizer, applying high-pressure steam, and storing sterilized instruments in a sterile environment.

Question 10: Assess the impact of technological advancements on the accuracy of diagnosis in modern medicine.

Answer: Technological advancements such as MRI and CT scans have dramatically improved diagnostic accuracy. They allow for detailed imaging of internal structures, leading to earlier detection and better treatment planning.