During the later stages of ventricular relaxation, the pressures ...

[mrsjacobs44]

During the later stages of ventricular relaxation, the pressures in their chambers drop below those in the atria. This results in which of the following?
 
  1. Rapid drop in atrial pressures
  2. Opening of the atrioventricular valves
  3. Rapid ventricular filling
  4. V pressure wave
  a. 2 and 3 only
  b. 1 and 2 only
  c. 1, 2, 3, and 4
  d. 2, 3, and 4 only

Question 2

What is a potential cause of cardiac tamponade?
 
  a. A large pericardial effusion
  b. Blockage of the left ventricle
  c. Excessive amount of fluid the pleural space
  d. Clots in the superior vena cava

[ciecieme]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
As the ventricles continue to relax, their pressures drop below the pressures in the atria. This drop reopens the atrioventricular valves. As soon as the atrioventricular valves open, the blood col-lected in the atria rushes to fill the ventricles, causing a rapid drop in atrial pressures (the V wave).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A large pericardial effusion may affect the pumping function of the heart resulting in a cardiac tamponade. A cardiac tamponade will compress the heart muscle leading to a serious drop in blood flow to the body that may ultimately lead to shock and death.