Q: A patient has a heart rate of 90 bpm and a stroke volume of 60 mL/beat. What is their cardiac output ($CO$)?

$CO = 90\ \mathrm{bpm} \times 60\ \mathrm{mL/beat} = 5400\ \mathrm{mL/min}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

To transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with pericarditis. Which of the following complications is most likely to occur if excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade, restricting heart movement

Question 3

Which structure prevents the backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Question 4

A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) is at risk for myocardial infarction (MI). What is the most common cause of MI in these patients?

Accepted Answer

Thrombus formation at an atherosclerotic plaque

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly calculates cardiac output ($CO$)?

Accepted Answer

$CO = HR 	imes SV$

Question 6

If a patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 140 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 60 mL, what is their stroke volume ($SV$)?

Accepted Answer

$SV = 140\ \mathrm{mL} - 60\ \mathrm{mL} = 80\ \mathrm{mL}$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the heart cannot undergo tetanus like skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle action potentials have a prolonged plateau phase due to Ca$^{2+}$ influx, sustaining the refractory period

Question 8

A patient is given a beta-blocker after a heart attack. What is the primary effect of this medication on the heart?

Accepted Answer

It blocks sympathetic stimulation, reducing heart rate and contractility

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the conducting system of the heart is correct?

Accepted Answer

The SA node initiates the heartbeat and sets the sinus rhythm

Question 10

During the cardiac cycle, which event immediately follows the QRS complex on an ECG?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular contraction (systole) begins

Question 11

A patient has a heart rate of 90 bpm and a stroke volume of 60 mL/beat. What is their cardiac output ($CO$)?

Accepted Answer

$CO = 90\ \mathrm{bpm} 	imes 60\ \mathrm{mL/beat} = 5400\ \mathrm{mL/min}$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on pacemaker cells in the SA node?

Accepted Answer

It increases Na$^+$ and Ca$^{2+}$ permeability, accelerating depolarization and increasing heart rate

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct result of the Frank-Starling law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume increases as end-diastolic volume increases

Question 14

A patient with bradycardia has a heart rate of 50 bpm. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Abnormally slow heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle has a thicker myocardium than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to pump blood through the systemic circuit

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that an action potential travels through in the heart's conduction system?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of calcium ions (Ca$^{2+}$) in cardiac muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Ca$^{2+}$ influx triggers further Ca$^{2+}$ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, initiating contraction

Question 18

A patient is experiencing angina pectoris during exercise. What is the most likely physiological cause?

Accepted Answer

Temporary ischemia due to increased workload and reduced coronary blood flow

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the function of the cardiac skeleton?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes heart valves, supports muscle cells, and electrically insulates atria from ventricles

Chapter 14 – Cardiovascular System: The Heart (Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes)

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