Cardiac physiology: cardiac output: 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 · Cardiac physiology: cardiac output

Sample item

Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying which two variables?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Heart rate and stroke volume

Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume. Stroke volume is influenced by preload, afterload, contractility, and ventricular interaction.

Option by option

  • A. Systemic vascular resistance and venous return

    SVR and venous return influence hemodynamics but do not directly define cardiac output.

  • B. Heart rate and stroke volume (correct)

    Correct. HR multiplied by SV gives flow per minute.

  • C. Blood pressure and pulse pressure

    Blood pressure depends on cardiac output and vascular resistance.

  • D. End-diastolic volume and ejection fraction only

    EDV and ejection fraction relate to stroke volume but are not the formula itself.

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 and stroke volume. Cardiac output equals heart rate times stroke volume.

Why is "Systemic vascular resistance and venous return" not the answer?

SVR and venous return influence hemodynamics but do not directly define cardiac output.

Why is "Blood pressure and pulse pressure" not the answer?

Blood pressure depends on cardiac output and vascular resistance.

Why is "End-diastolic volume and ejection fraction only" not the answer?

EDV and ejection fraction relate to stroke volume but are not the formula itself.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac physiology: cardiac output in Physiology. Stroke volume is influenced by preload, afterload, contractility, and ventricular interaction.

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 Cardiac physiology: cardiac output?

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.