Bainbridge Reflex RAP Tachycardia — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Tachycardia in response to increased right atrial pressure (increased venous return)
The Bainbridge reflex: stretch receptors in the right atrium (and great veins) detect increased venous return and signal via vagal afferents to the medulla. The response is an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) via increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic output. This helps the heart handle the increased venous return by increasing CO (HR × SV).
Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist