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

Which change most directly increases cardiac output when heart rate is unchanged?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Increased stroke volume

Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume, so a higher stroke volume raises output when the heart rate is constant.

Option by option

  • A. Increased stroke volume (correct)

    Correct: stroke volume is the other direct component of cardiac output.

  • B. Reduced venous return

    Reduced venous return generally lowers preload and output.

  • C. Increased systemic vascular resistance

    High resistance can increase afterload and reduce stroke volume.

  • D. Increased afterload

    Increased afterload tends to impair ventricular ejection.

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 A, Increased stroke volume. Cardiac output equals heart rate multiplied by stroke volume, so a higher stroke volume raises output when the heart rate is constant.

Why is "Reduced venous return" not the answer?

Reduced venous return generally lowers preload and output.

Why is "Increased systemic vascular resistance" not the answer?

High resistance can increase afterload and reduce stroke volume.

Why is "Increased afterload" not the answer?

Increased afterload tends to impair ventricular ejection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: stroke volume is the other direct component of cardiac output.

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.