5 KEEW • 382 RN
★ ★
Chamberlain University
N College of Nursing & Public Health
J O U R N E Y TO E XT R AO R D I N A R Y CO M PA SS I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 2026
NR 283 — Week 5 Edapt: Perfusion and Clotting
PAT H O P H Y S I O LO G Y — P E R F U S I O N , C LOT T I N G , A N D C A R D I A C CO N C E P TS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE NR 283
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Week 5 Edapt — Perfusion and Clotting TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
COURSE TITLE Pathophysiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Some questions require ordering of steps or events.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current pathophysiology and nursing practice guidelines.
SECTION I — PERFUSION, CLOTTING & CARDIAC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Questions 1 – 50
1. What is perfusion?
A. The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells and tissues as a result of blood flow through capillaries.
B. The electrical conduction system that stimulates the heart to beat.
C. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.
D. The production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
CORRECT ANSWER A — The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells and tissues as a result of blood flow
through capillaries.
RATIONALE Perfusion is defined as flooding the tissue with high amounts of oxygen and nutrients via blood flow through
the capillaries. It encompasses both delivery of oxygen/nutrients and removal of metabolic wastes. It is
distinct from gas exchange (which occurs in the alveoli), the cardiac conduction system, and erythropoiesis.
,2. What usually happens during poor perfusion?
A. Increased cellular reproduction.
B. Cell death and loss of function.
C. Enhanced gas exchange.
D. Decreased blood viscosity.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Cell death and loss of function.
RATIONALE When perfusion is poor — whether from blood loss or interruption of blood flow — cells are deprived of
oxygen and nutrients, leading to cellular death (infarction/necrosis) and loss of tissue function. This outcome
is the same regardless of where in the body the poor perfusion occurs. The result may be a myocardial
infarction, cerebral vascular accident, or peripheral tissue necrosis.
3. What is the largest cause of poor perfusion?
A. Bleeding.
B. Blood clotting.
C. Dehydration.
D. Electrolyte imbalance.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Blood clotting.
RATIONALE Blood clotting (thrombosis) is the largest cause of poor perfusion. Thrombi and emboli obstruct blood flow in
arteries and veins, preventing oxygen delivery to downstream tissues. Bleeding is a lesser cause. While
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to perfusion problems, clot formation is the primary
pathological mechanism in conditions such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary
embolism.
4. What are the three components used to get oxygen and nutrients into tissues?
A. Fluid volume, perfusion, gas exchange.
B. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiration.
C. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.
D. Plasma, platelets, red blood cells.
CORRECT ANSWER A — Fluid volume, perfusion, gas exchange.
RATIONALE Oxygen and nutrient delivery requires three integrated components: fluid volume (provides the transport
medium — blood plasma), perfusion (moves the fluid through the vascular system to the capillaries), and gas
exchange (occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane to oxygenate the blood and remove CO₂). All three must
function for adequate tissue oxygenation.
5. Central perfusion targets which of the following?
A. The skin and local areas.
B. The vital organs.
C. Only the heart.
D. Only the brain.
CORRECT ANSWER B — The vital organs.
RATIONALE Central perfusion is the amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute that oxygenates major body
organs (vital organs). It is created by cardiac output. Tissue/peripheral perfusion targets the skin and local
areas. Myocardial perfusion specifically targets the heart, and cerebral perfusion specifically targets the brain.
Central perfusion encompasses all vital organs.
, 6. What organ is mainly responsible for good perfusion?
A. The lungs.
B. The kidneys.
C. The heart.
D. The liver.
CORRECT ANSWER C — The heart.
RATIONALE Adequate perfusion starts in the heart. The heart generates cardiac output (heart rate × stroke volume), which
is the driving force that propels oxygenated blood through the arterial system to all tissues. Without effective
cardiac pumping, central and peripheral perfusion cannot be maintained. The lungs oxygenate the blood, but
the heart distributes it.
7. What is cardiac output?
A. Volume of blood ejected by the heart in one minute (heart rate × stroke volume).
B. The amount of oxygen in arterial blood.
C. The pressure in the arteries during systole.
D. The electrical activity of the heart measured by ECG.
CORRECT ANSWER A — Volume of blood ejected by the heart in one minute (heart rate × stroke volume).
RATIONALE Cardiac output (CO) = heart rate (HR) × stroke volume (SV). Normal adult CO is 4–8 L/min. This formula
represents the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute and is the fundamental measure of central
perfusion. Because it is difficult to measure directly in routine assessment, blood pressure is used as an
indirect indicator.
8. What is normal cardiac output in an adult?
A. 1–2 liters per minute.
B. 4–8 liters per minute.
C. 10–12 liters per minute.
D. 15–20 liters per minute.
CORRECT ANSWER B — 4–8 liters per minute.
RATIONALE Normal cardiac output in a resting adult is 4–8 L/min. This is sufficient to meet the metabolic demands of all
body tissues at rest. Cardiac output can increase significantly during exercise through increased heart rate
and stroke volume. Values below 4 L/min indicate decreased perfusion and may lead to tissue hypoxia.
9. What are signs of poor perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Confusion.
B. Pale skin.
C. Cool skin.
D. Low blood pressure.
E. Warm, flushed skin.
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C, D — Confusion; Pale skin; Cool skin; Low blood pressure.
RATIONALE Signs of poor perfusion include confusion (suggests poor brain perfusion), pale and cool skin (peripheral
vasoconstriction from sympathetic compensation), and low blood pressure (inadequate cardiac output or
volume). Warm, flushed skin is a sign of adequate or increased perfusion, such as in vasodilation or
inflammation. The nurse can assess perfusion through skin color, temperature, capillary refill, blood pressure,
and mental status.
★ ★
Chamberlain University
N College of Nursing & Public Health
J O U R N E Y TO E XT R AO R D I N A R Y CO M PA SS I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 2026
NR 283 — Week 5 Edapt: Perfusion and Clotting
PAT H O P H Y S I O LO G Y — P E R F U S I O N , C LOT T I N G , A N D C A R D I A C CO N C E P TS
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE NR 283
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Week 5 Edapt — Perfusion and Clotting TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
COURSE TITLE Pathophysiology FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Select all that apply questions are indicated — choose every correct option.
▸ Some questions require ordering of steps or events.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for review purposes.
▸ All content reflects current pathophysiology and nursing practice guidelines.
SECTION I — PERFUSION, CLOTTING & CARDIAC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Questions 1 – 50
1. What is perfusion?
A. The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells and tissues as a result of blood flow through capillaries.
B. The electrical conduction system that stimulates the heart to beat.
C. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.
D. The production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
CORRECT ANSWER A — The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells and tissues as a result of blood flow
through capillaries.
RATIONALE Perfusion is defined as flooding the tissue with high amounts of oxygen and nutrients via blood flow through
the capillaries. It encompasses both delivery of oxygen/nutrients and removal of metabolic wastes. It is
distinct from gas exchange (which occurs in the alveoli), the cardiac conduction system, and erythropoiesis.
,2. What usually happens during poor perfusion?
A. Increased cellular reproduction.
B. Cell death and loss of function.
C. Enhanced gas exchange.
D. Decreased blood viscosity.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Cell death and loss of function.
RATIONALE When perfusion is poor — whether from blood loss or interruption of blood flow — cells are deprived of
oxygen and nutrients, leading to cellular death (infarction/necrosis) and loss of tissue function. This outcome
is the same regardless of where in the body the poor perfusion occurs. The result may be a myocardial
infarction, cerebral vascular accident, or peripheral tissue necrosis.
3. What is the largest cause of poor perfusion?
A. Bleeding.
B. Blood clotting.
C. Dehydration.
D. Electrolyte imbalance.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Blood clotting.
RATIONALE Blood clotting (thrombosis) is the largest cause of poor perfusion. Thrombi and emboli obstruct blood flow in
arteries and veins, preventing oxygen delivery to downstream tissues. Bleeding is a lesser cause. While
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to perfusion problems, clot formation is the primary
pathological mechanism in conditions such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary
embolism.
4. What are the three components used to get oxygen and nutrients into tissues?
A. Fluid volume, perfusion, gas exchange.
B. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiration.
C. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.
D. Plasma, platelets, red blood cells.
CORRECT ANSWER A — Fluid volume, perfusion, gas exchange.
RATIONALE Oxygen and nutrient delivery requires three integrated components: fluid volume (provides the transport
medium — blood plasma), perfusion (moves the fluid through the vascular system to the capillaries), and gas
exchange (occurs at the alveolar-capillary membrane to oxygenate the blood and remove CO₂). All three must
function for adequate tissue oxygenation.
5. Central perfusion targets which of the following?
A. The skin and local areas.
B. The vital organs.
C. Only the heart.
D. Only the brain.
CORRECT ANSWER B — The vital organs.
RATIONALE Central perfusion is the amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute that oxygenates major body
organs (vital organs). It is created by cardiac output. Tissue/peripheral perfusion targets the skin and local
areas. Myocardial perfusion specifically targets the heart, and cerebral perfusion specifically targets the brain.
Central perfusion encompasses all vital organs.
, 6. What organ is mainly responsible for good perfusion?
A. The lungs.
B. The kidneys.
C. The heart.
D. The liver.
CORRECT ANSWER C — The heart.
RATIONALE Adequate perfusion starts in the heart. The heart generates cardiac output (heart rate × stroke volume), which
is the driving force that propels oxygenated blood through the arterial system to all tissues. Without effective
cardiac pumping, central and peripheral perfusion cannot be maintained. The lungs oxygenate the blood, but
the heart distributes it.
7. What is cardiac output?
A. Volume of blood ejected by the heart in one minute (heart rate × stroke volume).
B. The amount of oxygen in arterial blood.
C. The pressure in the arteries during systole.
D. The electrical activity of the heart measured by ECG.
CORRECT ANSWER A — Volume of blood ejected by the heart in one minute (heart rate × stroke volume).
RATIONALE Cardiac output (CO) = heart rate (HR) × stroke volume (SV). Normal adult CO is 4–8 L/min. This formula
represents the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute and is the fundamental measure of central
perfusion. Because it is difficult to measure directly in routine assessment, blood pressure is used as an
indirect indicator.
8. What is normal cardiac output in an adult?
A. 1–2 liters per minute.
B. 4–8 liters per minute.
C. 10–12 liters per minute.
D. 15–20 liters per minute.
CORRECT ANSWER B — 4–8 liters per minute.
RATIONALE Normal cardiac output in a resting adult is 4–8 L/min. This is sufficient to meet the metabolic demands of all
body tissues at rest. Cardiac output can increase significantly during exercise through increased heart rate
and stroke volume. Values below 4 L/min indicate decreased perfusion and may lead to tissue hypoxia.
9. What are signs of poor perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Confusion.
B. Pale skin.
C. Cool skin.
D. Low blood pressure.
E. Warm, flushed skin.
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C, D — Confusion; Pale skin; Cool skin; Low blood pressure.
RATIONALE Signs of poor perfusion include confusion (suggests poor brain perfusion), pale and cool skin (peripheral
vasoconstriction from sympathetic compensation), and low blood pressure (inadequate cardiac output or
volume). Warm, flushed skin is a sign of adequate or increased perfusion, such as in vasodilation or
inflammation. The nurse can assess perfusion through skin color, temperature, capillary refill, blood pressure,
and mental status.
