Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Practice Test

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Study for the Certified Surgical First Assistant Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare yourself for success!

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What physiological response is characterized by a decrease in heart rate?

Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Hypotension

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

Bradycardia is defined as a slower than normal heart rate, generally considered to be fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. This physiological response can occur due to several factors, including increased vagal tone, certain medications, or physiological adaptations such as in athletes. Understanding bradycardia is significant because it can have clinical implications; while in some cases it may be a benign condition, in others it can lead to decreased cardiac output and potential symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, or syncope if the heart rate is too low. The other options, such as tachycardia (an increased heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), and hypotension (low blood pressure) do not involve a decrease in heart rate; thus, they do not characterize the physiological response being queried.