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Question #46360
The Question
A patient with severe hepatic failure exhibits a drastic reduction in plasma albumin synthesis. Based on the principles of capillary fluid dynamics and the cardiac cycle, which of the following sequences accurately represents the downstream physiological consequences?
Options
- A.
Decreased blood colloidal osmotic pressure → Fluid accumulation in interstitial spaces → Reduced venous return → Decreased end-diastolic volume (EDV) and stroke volume.
- B.
Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure → Systemic edema → Increased preload → Greater ventricular stretch and increased stroke volume.
- C.
Decreased blood colloidal osmotic pressure → Fluid shift into the intravascular space → Increased venous return → Shorter isovolumetric contraction phase.
- D.
Decreased tissue osmotic pressure → Systemic edema → Reduced venous return → Increased end-systolic volume (ESV) with elevated cardiac output.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Albumin|Starling Forces|Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize 'albumin = osmotic balance' but fail to connect it to systemic hemodynamics.
The common misconception is failing to realize that systemic edema (fluid in the interstitium) represents a loss of intravascular volume, which subsequently starves the heart of venous return (preload), thereby altering the cardiac cycle's filling and ejection phases.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | Cardiac Cycle Temporal Precision |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |