How do chemoreceptors respond to a drop in blood pH?
By suppressing respiratory centers to reduce oxygen consumption
By stimulating the cardioinhibitory centers to decrease heart rate
By increasing cardiac output and vasoconstriction to enhance circulation
By signaling the kidneys to excrete more hydrogen ions
The Correct Answer is C
A. By suppressing respiratory centers to reduce oxygen consumption: Chemoreceptors do not suppress respiration in response to acidosis. Instead, they activate respiratory centers to increase ventilation, helping to remove carbon dioxide and raise blood pH toward normal. Suppressing respiration would worsen acidemia.
B. By stimulating the cardioinhibitory centers to decrease heart rate: Chemoreceptors primarily influence ventilation and sympathetic outflow rather than directly decreasing heart rate. While extreme hypoxia or hypercapnia can modulate cardiac activity, the immediate response to low pH involves increasing sympathetic drive, not reducing heart rate.
C. By increasing cardiac output and vasoconstriction to enhance circulation: Peripheral chemoreceptors detect low pH (high hydrogen ion concentration) and low oxygen levels, triggering sympathetic activation. This increases cardiac output and causes systemic vasoconstriction, helping maintain perfusion and oxygen delivery to vital organs while ventilation corrects acid-base imbalance.
D. By signaling the kidneys to excrete more hydrogen ions: While the kidneys play a key role in long-term acid-base regulation by excreting hydrogen ions, chemoreceptors act rapidly through the nervous system. Renal compensation is slower and does not constitute the immediate response to a drop in blood pH.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
The brachiocephalic trunk, also known as the innominate artery, is the first major branch of the aortic arch on the right side of the body. It serves as a primary conduit for oxygenated blood from the heart to the upper body. The trunk divides into two main arteries: the right subclavian artery, which supplies blood to the right upper limb, and the right common carotid artery, which delivers blood to the right side of the head and neck. This bifurcation ensures efficient perfusion of both the brain and the upper extremities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 25 mmHg: Pulse pressure is calculated as systolic minus diastolic pressure. A normal pulse pressure is approximately 30–40 mmHg. With a systolic pressure of 160 mmHg, a pulse pressure of 25 mmHg would be considered narrow, suggesting reduced stroke volume, increased systemic vascular resistance, or conditions such as heart failure or aortic stenosis.
B. 40 mmHg: A pulse pressure of 40 mmHg falls within the normal expected range for most adults. Even with an elevated systolic pressure of 160 mmHg, a 40 mmHg difference would not be considered narrow and generally reflects adequate stroke volume.
C. 50 mmHg: A pulse pressure of 50 mmHg is wider than normal and may indicate increased stroke volume or decreased arterial compliance, as seen in conditions like aortic regurgitation or aging arteries.
D. 45 mmHg: A pulse pressure of 45 mmHg is slightly above the typical normal range and would be considered normal to mildly widened. It does not represent a low or narrow pulse pressure in the context of a systolic pressure of 160 mmHg.
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