Question

Which statements would be LEAST likely to convince an audience of acupuncture's safety? A) People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. B) Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. C) Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. D) The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Answer 1

The least convincing statement regarding acupuncture's safety mentions the complications resulting from inadequate sterilization and improper treatment delivery, implying risks. Acupuncture involves skin penetration which, if done with unsterilized needles, can expose patients to pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that would be LEAST likely to convince an audience of acupuncture's safety is "Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments." This statement suggests that there are risks associated with acupuncture due to potential improper practices. In contrast, the other statements highlight the general safety and minimal pain associated with the procedure or the rarity of reported complications.

To address how acupuncture could facilitate exposure to pathogens, it's important to understand that the technique involves breaking the skin with needles. If these needles are not properly sterilized, they can introduce bacteria or viruses into the body, potentially leading to infections. Comparing acupuncture to historical medical practices like bloodletting, which was eventually found to be harmful, encourages critical thinking about how medical practices evolve and are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Answer 2

The statement that I believe is the least likely to convince an audience of acupuncture's safety is "B) Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments." since it speaks of the complications generated by said practice without acknowledging that this happens in a rather small number, instead of focusing on delivering a positive message about acupuncture.

Statement "D) The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation." can also be discouraging as many people fear needles and electricity.