$$ \text{Index} = \frac{\text{duration of exercise in seconds} \times 100}{2 \times \text{sum of the three pulse counts in recovery}} $$

Question 1

During the cardiac cycle, which event directly causes the atrioventricular (AV) valves to close?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of the ventricles

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the first heart sound ('lub')?

Accepted Answer

It occurs as the AV valves close at the beginning of systole.

Question 3

A patient’s blood pressure is measured as 130/85 mm Hg. Which number represents the diastolic pressure?

Accepted Answer

85 mm Hg

Question 4

Which artery is most commonly used for measuring the pulse in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Radial artery

Question 5

If a subject’s apical pulse is 78 beats/min and their radial pulse is 72 beats/min, what is the pulse deficit?

Accepted Answer

6 beats/min

Question 6

Which of the following factors would most likely cause an immediate increase in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood viscosity

Question 7

What is the formula for calculating the index of physical fitness in the Harvard Step Test?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{Index} = \frac{	ext{duration of exercise in seconds} 	imes 100}{2 	imes 	ext{sum of the three pulse counts in recovery}} $$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the carotid pulse point has the greatest amplitude compared to the dorsalis pedis artery?

Accepted Answer

The carotid artery is closer to the left ventricle, so the pressure wave is stronger.

Question 9

Which of the following would most likely result in a decrease in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhage

Question 10

During which phase of the cardiac cycle is the pressure in the heart at its lowest?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular diastole

Question 11

What is the primary physiological reason for the increase in systolic blood pressure during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the sounds of Korotkoff is correct?

Accepted Answer

They indicate the resumption of blood flow into the forearm.

Question 13

A subject stands up quickly after reclining. What immediate change in blood pressure is expected, and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure drops due to pooling of blood in the legs and feet.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of local chemical mediators released by injured tissues on skin color?

Accepted Answer

They cause vasodilation and a red flare.

Question 15

If a subject’s heart rate is 80 beats/min, what is the length of the cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

$$ 0.75 	ext{ seconds} $$

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely be observed in a subject with massive internal hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Pale, cold, and moist skin due to vasoconstriction

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct definition of systole?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of the ventricles

Question 18

Which instrument is used to measure arterial blood pressure by the auscultatory method?

Accepted Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely result in a pulse deficit?

Accepted Answer

A weakened heart unable to pump sufficient blood

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between cardiac output (CO), peripheral resistance (PR), and blood pressure (BP)?

Accepted Answer

$$ BP = CO 	imes PR $$

Human Cardiovascular Physiology: Blood Pressure and Pulse Determinations

Study Guide - Practice Questions