Which of the following causes could lead to reflex tachycardia?

Prepare for the COMAT Foundational Biomedical Science Exam with comprehensive questions. Study with flashcards and detailed explanations to boost your exam readiness and understanding.

Reflex tachycardia is a physiological response where the heart rate increases in reaction to a drop in blood pressure or blood volume. It typically serves as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate blood flow and pressure in the body.

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position, causing a sudden decrease in blood pressure due to gravity. This drop in blood pressure triggers baroreceptors, which are sensitive to changes in arterial pressure. In response, the body initiates a reflex that increases heart rate to compensate for the decreased pressure and maintain adequate cerebral perfusion and blood flow to vital organs.

The other options do not inherently lead to reflex tachycardia. Increased hydration would generally lead to improved blood volume and potentially a more stable blood pressure, reducing the need for reflexive heart rate increases. Increased oxygenation focuses on improving tissue oxygen delivery but does not directly impact blood pressure dynamics. Muscle relaxation would typically occur in a decreased sympathetic tone scenario, which may not lead to tachycardia, but rather a decreased heart rate due to reduced sympathetic stimulation.

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