HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam Related

Review HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam related questions and content

What is the first step in pulmonary circulation?

  • A. Blood moves toward the heart through the pulmonary veins.
  • B. The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs.
  • C. Carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
  • D. Oxygenated blood moves through the aorta.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The first step in pulmonary circulation involves the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then carries this deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This step is crucial for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen to occur in the lungs, facilitating the oxygenation of blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the initial step in pulmonary circulation. Option A refers to blood moving away from the heart, option C describes the gas exchange process that occurs in the lungs but not as the first step, and option D mentions oxygenated blood moving through the aorta, which happens after oxygenation in the lungs.