Q: A patient has a stroke volume (SV) of 80 mL and a heart rate (HR) of 75 beats per minute. What is their cardiac output (CO)?

$$CO = 80 \times 75 = 6000 mL/$$min = 6.0$$ L/min$$

Question 1

Which structural feature is unique to cardiac muscle cells and is essential for their ability to function as a syncytium?

Accepted Answer

Intercalated discs containing gap junctions

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the difference in action potential generation between cardiac pacemaker cells and contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker cells generate action potentials spontaneously due to slow Na$$^+$$ influx, while contractile cells require stimulation from pacemaker cells.

Question 3

Trace the correct sequence of the cardiac conduction pathway starting from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle (Bundle of His) → Bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 4

Which phase of the cardiac cycle is associated with the 'lub' sound heard during auscultation?

Accepted Answer

Closing of the tricuspid and mitral valves at the end of ventricular filling

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = SV 	imes HR$$

Question 6

A patient has a stroke volume (SV) of 80 mL and a heart rate (HR) of 75 beats per minute. What is their cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 75 = 6000 mL/$$min = 6.0$$ L/min$$

Question 7

Which hormone increases blood pressure by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary risk factor for hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Question 9

Which pathophysiological process is most directly responsible for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques?

Accepted Answer

Proliferation of smooth muscle cells and migration over fatty streaks

Question 10

A patient stands up quickly and experiences dizziness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Which condition does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical manifestation of advanced hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Increased mobility

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling Law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the end-diastolic volume, the greater the stroke volume due to increased stretch of cardiac muscle fibers.

Question 13

Which of the following is a suspected agent of endothelial injury leading to atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Question 14

Which interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the time taken for ventricular depolarization and repolarization?

Accepted Answer

QT interval

Question 15

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for the plateau phase in the action potential of cardiac contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

Slow influx of Ca$$^{2+}$$ through voltage-gated channels

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely decrease cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Decreased myocardial contractility

Question 17

Which hormone acts to decrease blood volume and pressure by inhibiting Na$$^+$$ reabsorption in the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 18

A patient with atherosclerosis is at increased risk for which of the following complications due to unstable plaque rupture?

Accepted Answer

Thrombus formation and complete vessel blockage

Question 19

Which of the following is a short-term regulator of blood pressure that acts via vasoconstriction?

Accepted Answer

Adrenaline (epinephrine)

Question 20

Which of the following is a common evaluation method for hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Repeated measurement of high blood pressure

Cardiovascular System: Structure, Function, and Pathophysiology

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