American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Study for AACN Certification Test. Practice with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your nursing exam!

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What is the formula for calculating cardiac output?

Heart rate x stroke volume
Stroke volume / heart rate
Rate of contraction x pressure
Volume of blood / time

The correct answer is: Heart rate x stroke volume

Cardiac output is a critical measure in understanding how well the heart is delivering blood to the body, and it is calculated by multiplying heart rate by stroke volume. Heart rate refers to the number of beats the heart makes in one minute, while stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat. When you multiply these two parameters together, you obtain the total volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute, which is the definition of cardiac output (CO = HR x SV). This formula is essential for assessing cardiac function and can guide treatment decisions in various clinical scenarios. The other choices do not accurately reflect how cardiac output is calculated, either oversimplifying the relationship or misrepresenting the physiological concepts involved. Understanding this foundational relationship is crucial for anyone studying cardiovascular physiology and prepares individuals for real-world clinical applications.