Question 1

Which of the following would most likely cause an increase in peripheral resistance, thereby increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing blood vessel diameter

Question 2

A patient has a blood pressure reading of 135/85 mmHg. What is their mean arterial pressure (MAP)? Use the formula $$MAP = DP + \frac{1}{3}(SP - DP)$$, where $$SP is $$systolic pressure and $$DP is $$diastolic pressure.

Accepted Answer

MAP = $$85 + \frac{1}{3}(135 - 85) = 85 + \frac{1}{3}(50) = 85 + 16.67 = 101.67$$ mmHg

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why capillary blood pressure is low compared to arterial blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Low pressure prevents rupture of fragile capillaries and still allows filtrate to move into interstitial spaces

Question 4

If the radius of a blood vessel is doubled, what happens to the resistance to blood flow? Use the relationship $$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$}.$$

Accepted Answer

Resistance decreases to $$\frac{1}{16} of $$its original value

Question 5

A patient is experiencing circulatory shock. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels inadequately fill and cannot circulate blood normally, leading to insufficient tissue perfusion

Question 6

Which hormone decreases blood pressure by antagonizing aldosterone and causing decreased blood volume?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 7

During exercise, the hypothalamus mediates redistribution of blood flow. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for increasing blood flow to skeletal muscles?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation of arterioles supplying skeletal muscles

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a short-term mechanism for regulating blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Direct renal mechanism

Question 9

A patient stands up quickly and feels dizzy. Which reflex is most responsible for restoring blood pressure to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Carotid sinus baroreceptor reflex

Question 10

Which of the following would most likely result in a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

Decreased stroke volume (SV)

Question 11

Which equation correctly relates cardiac output (CO), pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$), and resistance (R)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = \frac{\Delta P}{R}$$

Question 12

Which adaptation helps venous return during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory pump: thoracic veins expand as abdominal veins are squeezed

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of prolonged hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure, vascular disease, renal failure, and stroke

Question 14

A patient with chronic hypertension is prescribed a drug that inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). What effect will this have on blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Decrease blood pressure by reducing formation of angiotensin II

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely cause transient elevations in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Physical exertion, emotional upset, or fever

Question 16

If a person has a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

They are hypotensive, but this is usually not a concern unless tissue perfusion is inadequate

Question 17

Which of the following is a major determinant of peripheral resistance in the systemic circulation?

Accepted Answer

Small-diameter arterioles

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely occur if blood pressure to the brain is too low?

Accepted Answer

Perfusion is inadequate and the person may lose consciousness

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding baroreceptors in chronic hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptors become adapted and are no longer triggered by elevated blood pressure

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly influences blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessel length changes frequently

Physiology of Circulation and Blood Pressure Regulation

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