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 is diagnosed with pericarditis following a bacterial infection. Which of the following is a likely consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Roughening of the pericardial membrane, causing a rustling sound.

Question 3

Which layer of the heart wall is primarily responsible for the heart's contractile force?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 4

During fetal development, the foramen ovale allows blood to pass between which two structures?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium and left atrium

Question 5

Which of the following correctly traces the pathway of blood from the superior vena cava to the aorta?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A patient has a defective mitral valve. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The coronary arteries supply blood to the myocardium, and the coronary sinus returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the entire body, encountering higher resistance.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct sequence of electrical conduction through the heart?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

A patient’s ECG shows an abnormal QRS complex. Which cardiac event is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular depolarization

Question 11

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are the ventricles in isovolumetric contraction?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the AV valves open and before the semilunar valves open

Question 12

Which heart sound is associated with the closure of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

The second heart sound (dup)

Question 13

A patient with valvular stenosis is likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased workload on the heart due to narrowed valve opening

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 would most likely increase stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

Increased contractility due to epinephrine release

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart?

Accepted Answer

It releases norepinephrine, increasing heart rate and contractility.

Question 17

A patient has hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). Which of the following cardiac effects is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Heart block and possible cardiac arrest

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for congestive heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased parasympathetic stimulation

Question 19

A patient’s ECG shows an absent P wave. Which part of the heart’s conduction system is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a slow heartbeat can increase stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

It gives more time for ventricular filling, increasing end diastolic volume.

Chapter 18: The Cardiovascular System – The Heart

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