$$CO = 75\,bpm \times 80\,mL = 6000\,mL/min$$

Question 1

Which structure in the heart is primarily responsible for setting the pace of the heartbeat under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 2

During the cardiac cycle, which event is represented by the QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular depolarization

Question 3

A patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 120 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 50 mL. What is the stroke volume (SV)?

$$SV = EDV - ESV$$

Accepted Answer

$$SV = 120\,mL - 50\,mL = 70\,mL$$

Question 4

Which of the following mechanisms does NOT contribute to venous return to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Arterial elastic recoil

Question 5

A patient’s blood pressure is measured as 120/80 mmHg. What is the pulse pressure?

$$Pulse\ Pressure = Systolic\ Pressure - Diastolic\ Pressure$$

Accepted Answer

$$Pulse\ Pressure = 120\,mmHg - 80\,mmHg = 40\,mmHg$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of arteries in the systemic circulation?

Accepted Answer

Act as pressure reservoirs

Question 7

If a person’s heart rate is 75 bpm and their stroke volume is 80 mL, what is their cardiac output?

$$CO = Heart\ Rate 	imes Stroke\ Volume$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 75\,bpm 	imes 80\,mL = 6000\,mL/min$$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output and increased peripheral resistance

Question 9

Which segment of the ECG corresponds to the delay of electrical conduction at the AV node?

Accepted Answer

P-R segment

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart’s pacemaker cells?

Accepted Answer

Increased rate of pacemaker depolarization

Question 11

According to the Frank-Starling law of the heart, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume is proportional to end-diastolic volume (EDV)

Question 12

Which of the following would be considered a positive inotropic agent?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 13

Which of the following blood vessels is primarily responsible for variable resistance in the circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Arterioles

Question 14

A patient’s blood pressure is 135/90 mmHg. Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP).

$$MAP = Diastolic\ Pressure + \frac{1}{3}(Systolic\ Pressure - Diastolic\ Pressure)$$

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 90 + \frac{1}{3}(135 - 90) = 90 + \frac{1}{3}(45) = 90 + 15 = 105\,mmHg$$

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding capillaries?

Accepted Answer

They are the primary site of exchange between blood and interstitial fluid

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely decrease stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Decreased end-diastolic volume (EDV)

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the endothelium in blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Secretes paracrine factors that regulate blood pressure

Question 18

Which phase of the cardiac cycle is characterized by isovolumic ventricular relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular relaxation

Question 19

A patient receives an intravenous infusion that increases their blood volume. What is the expected immediate effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

MAP will increase due to increased blood volume

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why veins contain one-way valves?

Accepted Answer

To prevent backward flow of blood and aid venous return

The Heart as a Pump, Blood Vessels, and Blood Pressure: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions