ACSM-EP Cardiovascular Physiology 5

Question 1

What is the expected blood pressure response during a graded exercise test in a normotensive individual?

Accepted Answer

Systolic pressure rises progressively; diastolic pressure remains stable or slightly decreases

Answer

During graded exercise, systolic blood pressure increases with workload due to rising cardiac output, while diastolic pressure remains stable or may slightly decrease due to peripheral vasodilation.

Question 2

Which of the following is an abnormal blood pressure response that would warrant stopping a graded exercise test?

Accepted Answer

Systolic BP dropping more than 10 mmHg below baseline despite increasing workload

Answer

An exertional drop in systolic BP of >10 mmHg below baseline is a relative contraindication for exercise and may indicate severe left ventricular dysfunction or outflow obstruction.

Question 3

Which plasma protein is MOST responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure and preventing fluid from leaking from capillaries into interstitial spaces?

Accepted Answer

Albumin

Answer

Albumin accounts for approximately 80% of plasma oncotic pressure, drawing fluid back into the capillaries from the interstitium.

Question 4

During prolonged exercise in the heat, which cardiovascular phenomenon is referred to as 'cardiovascular drift'?

Accepted Answer

Gradual rise in heart rate with declining stroke volume due to fluid shifts and cutaneous vasodilation

Answer

Cardiovascular drift occurs during prolonged exercise, especially in heat, as plasma volume decreases (sweating) and blood is diverted to the skin, reducing venous return, stroke volume, and thus requiring heart rate to rise to maintain cardiac output.

Question 5

What is the primary role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

Initiating the electrical impulse that triggers each cardiac cycle

Answer

The SA node is the heart's primary pacemaker, spontaneously generating action potentials at 60–100 bpm that initiate each cardiac cycle.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Cardiovascular Physiology 5