The volume of blood that is pumped out by each ventricle at each heart beat is called

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

Stroke volume is the precise term for the amount of blood ejected from a ventricle with each individual heartbeat or contraction.
The question specifies 'at each heart beat', which directly corresponds to the definition of stroke volume.
In a healthy resting adult, the stroke volume is approximately 50 to 75 mL per contraction.
It is a fundamental component used to determine the overall cardiac output.

Option A: Cardiac output measures the volume of blood pumped by the heart over a period of one minute, not a single beat.
Option C: The cardiac cycle refers to the entire sequence of mechanical and electrical events that occur during a single heartbeat (e.g., systole, diastole). It describes a process, not a volume.
Option D: Tidal volume is a respiratory term. It refers to the volume of air moved in or out of the lungs during a normal breath, not the volume of blood pumped by the heart.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Physiology of Cardiac Function: Stroke Volume helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Monitoring stroke volume and cardiac output is essential in critical care to assess a patient's hemodynamic status. Low stroke volume can indicate poor heart function, dehydration, or hemorrhage.
Nurses use this knowledge to understand the effects of medications like inotropes (which increase contractility and stroke volume) and diuretics (which can decrease preload and stroke volume).
Understanding these concepts helps in interpreting data from advanced monitoring devices like pulmonary artery catheters or echocardiograms.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the key defining phrases: 'volume of blood', 'pumped out by each ventricle', and 'at each heart beat'.
The phrase 'at each heart beat' is the most critical differentiator. It specifies a per-beat measurement.
Evaluate each option. Immediately eliminate 'Tidal volume' as it relates to the respiratory system (air), not the cardiovascular system (blood).
Compare 'Cardiac output' and 'Stroke volume'. Recall their definitions: Stroke volume is volume per beat, while Cardiac output is volume per minute.
Since the question asks for volume 'at each heart beat', 'Stroke volume' is the correct match.
Confirm that 'Cardiac cycle' refers to the sequence of events, not a measure of volume, making it incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 231-233

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 91-93

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