Chapter 18

Question 1

What is the hydrostatic pressure at all locations within the arterial circulation?

Answer 1

With supine individuals, all arteries are at the same level as the heart. Thus, the hydrostatic pressure throughout the arterial circulation is 0 mmHg.

Question 2

What is the arterial pressure at the knee of the supine patient?

Answer 2

140 mmHg.
Since the knee is at the same level as the heart, hydrostatic pressure is 0 mmHg, and the measured pressure at the knee equals the pressure at the heart.

Question 3

What is the arterial pressure in the carotid artery of the neck of the supine patient?

Answer 3

140 mmHg.
Since the neck is at the same level as the heart, hydrostatic pressure is 0 mmHg. The measured pressure equals the true circulatory pressure at the heart.

Question 4

What is the hydrostatic pressure at all locations within the arterial circulation?

Answer 4

The hydrostatic pressure depends on the location of the vessel. Since the patient is standing, all arteries at heart level will have a hydrostatic pressure of 0 mmHg.
Hydrostatic pressure in vessels located:
*Below heart level will be positive and range from about 50 mmHg at the waist to about 100 mmHg at the ankle.
*Above heart level will be negative

Question 5

What is the arterial pressure measured in the toe of the upright patient?

Answer 5

240 mmHg.
Since the toe is far below heart level, the hydrostatic pressure is 100 mmHg. The circulatory pressure generated by the heart is 140 mmHg. Measured pressure is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the circulatory pressure:
100 mmHg + 140 mmHg = 240 mmHg

Question 6

What is the arterial pressure measured in the patient’s knee?

Answer 6

215 mmHg.
Since the knee is somewhat below heart level, the hydrostatic pressure is 75 mmHg. The circulatory pressure is 140 mmHg. Measured pressure is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the circulatory pressure:
75 mmHg + 140 mmHg = 215 mmHg

Question 7

What is the arterial pressure measured at the standing patient’s waist?

Answer 7

190 mmHg.
Since the waist is slightly below heart level, the hydrostatic pressure is in range of 50 mmHg. The circulatory pressure is 140 mmHg. Measured pressure is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the circulatory pressure:
50 mmHg + 140 mmHg = 190 mmHg

Question 8

What is the arterial pressure measured at the standing patient’s upper arm?

Answer 8

140 mmHg.
Since the upper arm is at heart level, the hydrostatic pressure is 0 mmHg. The circulatory pressure is 140 mmHg. Measured pressure is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the circulatory pressure:
0 mmHg + 140 mmHg = 140 mmHg

Question 9

What is the arterial pressure measured at the finger when the patient fully extends an arm toward the sky?

Answer 9

90 mmHg.
Since the extended finger is we above heart level, hydrostatic pressure is approximately -50 mmHg. The circulatory pressure generated by the heart is 140 mmHg. Measured pressure is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure and the circulatory pressure:
-50 mmHg + 140 mmHg = 90 mmHg

Question 10

Normally, what happens to venous flowing the legs during inspiration?

Answer 10

Decreases

Question 11

All of the following occur during expiration except:

Answer 11

Abdominal pressure increases