Q: Calculate the cardiac output (CO) for a patient with a heart rate (HR) of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume (SV) of 70 mL per beat. Use the formula $CO = HR \times SV$.

$CO = 80 \times 70 = 5600$ mL/min

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the fibrous pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It anchors the heart to surrounding structures and protects it.

Question 2

A patient presents with pericarditis following bacterial pneumonia. Which of the following is most likely to occur as a result?

Accepted Answer

Roughening of the pericardial membrane, causing a rustling sound during auscultation.

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for preventing backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Question 4

During fetal development, the foramen ovale allows blood to flow between which two chambers?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium and left atrium

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of blood flow through the heart starting from the superior vena cava?

Accepted Answer

Superior vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

Question 6

Why are the walls of the left ventricle thicker than those of the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle pumps blood through a longer, higher-pressure systemic circuit.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the coronary circulation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The coronary arteries provide the heart muscle with its own blood supply.

Question 8

A patient has valvular stenosis affecting the aortic valve. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The heart must contract more forcibly to overcome the narrowed valve.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

It initiates the depolarization that triggers the heartbeat, acting as the pacemaker.

Question 10

Which event on an electrocardiogram (ECG) corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex

Question 11

During the cardiac cycle, what is the significance of the isovolumetric contraction phase?

Accepted Answer

The ventricles contract with all valves closed, building pressure before ejection.

Question 12

Which heart sound is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

Dup (second sound)

Question 13

A patient with persistent high blood pressure is at risk for which of the following cardiac complications?

Accepted Answer

Decreased pumping efficiency due to increased afterload.

Question 14

Calculate the cardiac output (CO) for a patient with a heart rate (HR) of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume (SV) of 70 mL per beat. Use the formula $CO = HR 	imes SV$.

Accepted Answer

$CO = 80 	imes 70 = 5600$ mL/min

Question 15

Which of the following factors would most likely increase stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

Increased contractility due to epinephrine release

Question 16

Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause heart block and cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Excess potassium (hyperkalemia)

Question 17

A patient is experiencing a swishing sound during auscultation. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Incompetent valve failing to close completely

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely decrease heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Release of acetylcholine by the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 19

Which of the following is a risk factor for congestive heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Dilated cardiomyopathy causing decreased contractility

Question 20

A patient with multiple myocardial infarcts is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decreased pumping efficiency because dead heart cells are replaced by scar tissue

Chapter 18: The Cardiovascular System – The Heart

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