Calculate cardiac output given the following hemodynamic parameters: stroke volume, 60 mL; blood pressure, 150/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 50/min.

To determine cardiac output, the formula used is:

Cardiac Output (CO) = Stroke Volume (SV) × Heart Rate (HR)

In this case, the stroke volume is given as 60 mL, and the heart rate is 50 beats per minute. First, we need to convert the stroke volume from milliliters to liters, as cardiac output is typically expressed in liters per minute. Since there are 1000 mL in a liter, 60 mL converts to 0.06 L.

Now, applying the values to the formula:

CO = 0.06 L × 50 beats/min

CO = 3 L/min

Thus, the calculation shows that the cardiac output is 3 liters per minute. This value aligns with option B, making it the correct answer. The role of the heart rate and stroke volume is crucial in determining cardiac output; a lower heart rate combined with a reasonably sized stroke volume will yield a lower cardiac output compared to higher heart rates or stroke volumes. Understanding this relationship is essential in cardiovascular physiology and in clinical settings where monitoring heart function is critical.