Cardiovascular physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Cardiovascular physiology

Sample item

How is cardiac output calculated?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Heart rate multiplied by stroke volume

Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume and represents the volume pumped by one ventricle each minute; it rises with exercise through changes in both rate and stroke volume.

Option by option

  • A. Respiratory rate multiplied by tidal volume

    Respiratory rate times tidal volume gives minute ventilation.

  • B. Heart rate multiplied by stroke volume (correct)

    Correct: cardiac output is heart rate times stroke volume.

  • C. Stroke volume divided by body weight

    Body weight is not part of the basic cardiac-output equation.

  • D. Blood pressure divided by heart rate

    Blood pressure is influenced by cardiac output and vascular resistance, not this formula.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume and represents the volume pumped by one ventricle each minute; it rises with exercise through changes in both rate and stroke volume.

Why is "Respiratory rate multiplied by tidal volume" not the answer?

Respiratory rate times tidal volume gives minute ventilation.

Why is "Stroke volume divided by body weight" not the answer?

Body weight is not part of the basic cardiac-output equation.

Why is "Blood pressure divided by heart rate" not the answer?

Blood pressure is influenced by cardiac output and vascular resistance, not this formula.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: cardiac output is heart rate times stroke volume.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiovascular physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.