New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

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Study for the New York State EMT-B Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Boost your readiness for your exam!

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What formula is used to calculate cardiac output?

Heart Rate / Stroke Volume
Stroke Volume x Heart Rate
Heart Rate + Stroke Volume
Stroke Volume / Heart Rate

The correct answer is: Stroke Volume x Heart Rate

Cardiac output is a critical measurement in understanding how effectively the heart is pumping blood throughout the body. The correct formula to calculate cardiac output is derived from two key components: stroke volume and heart rate. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each beat, while heart rate indicates how many times the heart beats in one minute. By multiplying stroke volume by heart rate, you obtain the total volume of blood the heart pumps in a minute, thus yielding cardiac output. This relationship is essential in assessing cardiovascular function—higher cardiac output indicates better circulation, especially during physical activity or in response to certain medical conditions. The other options present alternative calculations that do not accurately reflect the relationship between heart rate and stroke volume in determining cardiac output. They either suggest incorrect operations (like division or addition) or misapply the roles of these two critical factors. Understanding this formula is important for EMTs when evaluating patients in various clinical situations.