Master the NWCA Medical Assistant Exam with our comprehensive quiz! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to solidify your understanding. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a cause of increased blood pressure?

During physical activity the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients rises, so blood pressure increases to keep blood flowing to the working muscles. The heart beats faster and with more force, raising cardiac output. The nervous system also boosts vascular tone, helping push blood toward the muscles. Even though vessels in the active muscles dilate to allow more blood, the overall pressure, especially systolic pressure, goes up during the effort. This rise is a normal, temporary response to exercise. In contrast, regular aerobic training lowers resting blood pressure over time, and sleep generally lowers BP; dehydration affects blood volume in more complex ways and isn’t the straightforward cause of a temporary BP rise like exercise is during activity.

During physical activity the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients rises, so blood pressure increases to keep blood flowing to the working muscles. The heart beats faster and with more force, raising cardiac output. The nervous system also boosts vascular tone, helping push blood toward the muscles. Even though vessels in the active muscles dilate to allow more blood, the overall pressure, especially systolic pressure, goes up during the effort. This rise is a normal, temporary response to exercise. In contrast, regular aerobic training lowers resting blood pressure over time, and sleep generally lowers BP; dehydration affects blood volume in more complex ways and isn’t the straightforward cause of a temporary BP rise like exercise is during activity.