Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 67%
Practice
Which of the following situations may result in a low cardiac output and low cardiac index? (Select all that apply.)
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Certainly. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, can lead to low cardiac output and cardiac index because the heart has less blood to pump, resulting in reduced circulation. Exercise typically increases cardiac output to meet increased demand. Myocardial infarction may reduce cardiac output temporarily, but not consistently. Shock, a condition where the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, can lead to low cardiac output, making it a possible cause.