What is the functional upstream pressure for venous return, which is a primary determinant of cardiac output?

A. pleural pressure
B. right atrial pressure
C. mean systemic pressure
D. mean circulatory filling pressure


?ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: Pleural pressure fluctuates throughout the ventilatory cycle regardless of whether the breathing is spontaneous breathing or positive-pressure breathing. During spontaneous ventilation (SV), pleural pressure remains subatmospheric. However, during positive-pressure ventilation (PPV), pleural pressure becomes supra-atmospheric.
B. Incorrect response: The right atrial pressure represents the end of the downstream end of the pressure gradient responsible for venous return.
C. Correct response: Mean systemic pressure is the weighted average of all pressure from all parts of the systemic circulation. The elastic properties of the blood vessels and the volume of blood they contain determine the magnitude of the mean systemic pressure.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation C.

Health Professions

You might also like to view...

Respiratory compromise can result from:

A. traumatic injury. B. low blood sugar. C. work of breathing. D. osteochondrosis.

Health Professions

List the five basic principles of command

What will be an ideal response?

Health Professions

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) was created under the Office of Inspector General Act of 1978

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Health Professions

Which of the following conditions is not a possible cause of seizures in young children?

a. Fever b. Hypothermia c. Diabetes d. Epilepsy

Health Professions