Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

The decrease in systemic vascular resistance aids in decreasing which physiological measure?

  • A. Cardiac output
  • B. Pulse rate
  • C. Renal blood flow
  • D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The decrease in systemic vascular resistance leads to a decrease in blood pressure for the following reasons: 1. Vasodilation reduces resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, lowering overall pressure. 2. As resistance decreases, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. 3. Lower resistance allows blood to flow more easily, reducing pressure on the arterial walls. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Decreasing systemic vascular resistance would typically increase cardiac output, not decrease it. B: Pulse rate is primarily affected by factors like sympathetic nervous system activity and not directly by changes in vascular resistance. C: Renal blood flow is more influenced by factors like renal artery pressure and hormonal regulation, rather than changes in systemic vascular resistance.