A New Estrogen Receptor Agonist Is Being Evaluated for the Treatment

question 17

Multiple Choice

A new estrogen receptor agonist is being evaluated for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms.  A prospective study shows that the drug increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in treated women who smoke compared to untreated women who smoke, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.70 and p-value of 0.01.  In nonsmokers, no increased risk of DVT is evident with use of the drug (RR = 0.96; p-value = 0.68) .  Which of the following describes this phenomenon?

• A)Confounding
• B)Effect modification
• C)Latent period
• D)Observer bias
• E)Selection bias

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Definitions:

Fallacy Of Inductive Reasoning

The fallacy of inductive reasoning occurs when a general conclusion is drawn from a limited set of specific observations, potentially leading to erroneous or unfounded claims.

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

A logical fallacy where it is assumed that if one event follows another, the first event caused the second.

Stability

A condition in which national output is growing steadily, with low inflation and full employment of resources.

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

A logical fallacy that suggests a causal relationship because one event followed another in time, even though no causal connection exists.