Bezold-Jarisch reflex — FRCA Primary MCQ

Correct answer: D — Reduced baroreceptor firing increases sympathetic outflow

An underfilled hypercontractile ventricle can trigger vagal reflex bradycardia. Raised PaCO2 lowers alveolar oxygen tension is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Closing capacity exceeding FRC causes airway closure is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Hypocapnia causes cerebral vasoconstriction is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA physiology, the correct answer is usually the variable that best explains the observed change in the anaesthetised patient.

Reference: West's Respiratory Physiology; Ganong Review of Medical Physiology; Primary FRCA textbooks