Question 1

Approximately how much blood can be lost before circulatory function and pressures are affected?

Accepted Answer

A)  5%
B)  15%
C)  25%
D)  35% C

Question 2

According to the Fick equation, what could cause the C(a - v)O₂ to decrease?

Accepted Answer

A)  Exercise
B)  High cardiac output
C)  Cardiogenic shock
D)  High fevers B

Question 3

When the Fick method is used to calculate cardiac output, if C(a - v)O₂ is greater than expected and VO₂ is normal, cardiac output probably will be:

Accepted Answer

A)  normal.
B)  less than expected.
C)  greater than expected.
D)  unknown-insufficient information is available to answer the question. B

Question 4

Blood flow is directed to organs that have the highest metabolic needs when at rest.Which of the following organs would have the lowest metabolic needs when at rest?

Accepted Answer

A)  Heart
B)  Liver
C)  Muscles
D)  Kidneys

Question 5

Which of the following best describes preload?

Accepted Answer

A)  The filling volume of the left ventricle.
B)  The stretch on the ventricular muscle fibers before contraction.
C)  The difference between the end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes.
D)  The volume of blood deposited from the right atrium into the right ventricle.

Question 6

Cardiac output is a product of which two variables?

Accepted Answer

A)  Heart rate and stroke volume
B)  Heart rate and body surface area
C)  Cardiac index and blood pressure
D)  Stroke volume and ejection fraction

Question 7

What is the most important factor in assessment of the ability of the cardiovascular system to meet the body's metabolic demands?

Accepted Answer

A)  Respiratory quotient (RQ) 
B)  Cardiac output
C)  Oxygen uptake
D)  Adequacy of perfusion

Question 8

What effect does an increase in intrathoracic pressure have on venous return?

Accepted Answer

A)  No effect
B)  A dampening effect
C)  An enhancing effect
D)  An unknown effect

Question 9

The average cardiac output for adult men and women at rest is _____ L/min.

Accepted Answer

A)  0.5
B)  5
C)  15
D)  25

Question 10

The periodic, noninvasive measurement of cardiac performance that requires only the use of a sphygmomanometer is called:

Accepted Answer

A)  echocardiography.
B)  electrical bioimpedance.
C)  pulse contour cardiac output monitoring.
D)  pulse pressure.

Question 11

All of the following can cause an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance except:

Accepted Answer

A)  exercise.
B)  acidosis.
C)  hypoxemia.
D)  release of histamine because of allergic response.

Question 12

All the following make up the peripheral component of afterload except:

Accepted Answer

A)  the radius of the vessels.
B)  the length of the vessels.
C)  the viscosity of the blood.
D)  the elasticity or compliance of the vessels.

Question 13

The resistance to ventricular ejection also is known as:

Accepted Answer

A)  afterload.
B)  Forrester's hemodynamic subset I.
C)  Forrester's hemodynamic subset II.
D)  Forrester's hemodynamic subset III.

Question 14

What effect does spontaneous deep inspiration have on venous return?

Accepted Answer

A)  No effect
B)  A dampening effect
C)  An enhancing effect
D)  An unknown effect

Question 15

Why has use of the pulmonary artery catheter diminished in many ICUs?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is expensive.
B)  It is difficult to place.
C)  Patients complain about the discomfort.
D)  Some experts believe it increases death rates.

Question 16

At rest, approximately 64% of the total blood volume is stored in the:

Accepted Answer

A)  liver.
B)  lungs.
C)  extremities.
D)  venous system.

Question 17

All of the following can affect cardiac output except:

Accepted Answer

A)  race.
B)  body size.
C)  hematocrit.
D)  tissue demand for oxygen.

Question 18

When ventricular function curves are performed on a patient with a suspected failing left ventricle, how does cardiac output typically change as the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increases?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cardiac output increases at first and then stays flat.
B)  Cardiac output increases at first and then decreases.
C)  Cardiac output decreases at first and then stays flat.
D)  Cardiac output decreases at first and then increases.

Question 19

Which of the following is used to determine the afterload of the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cardiac output
B)  Pulmonary artery pressure
C)  Pulmonary vascular resistance
D)  Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

Question 20

All the following are true about the ejection fraction except:

Accepted Answer

A)  the normal value is about 65% to 70%.
B)  it can be calculated from a nomogram.
C)  the percentage is the end-diastolic volume ejected with each beat.
D)  it represents the difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes.

Exam 16: Cardiac Output Measurement