Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations, to increase your readiness and confidence for the test!

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What happens during a normal heartbeat?

All chambers contract simultaneously
Only atria contract while ventricles relax
Chambers contract in a regular pattern
Veins contract to pump blood

The correct answer is: Chambers contract in a regular pattern

During a normal heartbeat, the chambers of the heart contract in a regular pattern, allowing the heart to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This pattern is controlled by the heart's electrical conduction system, which includes the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, and the bundle of His. The sequence begins when the SA node generates an electrical impulse that causes the atria to contract first, pushing blood into the ventricles. Following this, the impulse travels to the AV node and then to the ventricles, prompting them to contract. This coordinated contraction ensures that blood is efficiently moved from the heart into the arteries. This regular pattern of contraction ensures sufficient blood flow and maintains appropriate circulation, which is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues. The heart's ability to contract in this organized manner is key to its functioning as an effective pump.