A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Which physiological compensatory mechanism is immediately activated to help restore mean arterial pressure?
A
Increased renin release from the kidneys
B
Decreased sympathetic outflow to peripheral blood vessels
C
Activation of the baroreceptor reflex leading to increased heart rate and vasoconstriction
D
Increased release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Orthostatic hypotension triggers the baroreceptor reflex. A decrease in blood pressure is detected by baroreceptors, leading to increased sympathetic outflow, which causes vasoconstriction and increased heart rate to restore blood pressure.
💡 Why is C) the correct answer?
The correct answer to the question "A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Which physiological compensatory mechanism is immediately activated to help restore mean arterial pressure?" is Option C: Activation of the baroreceptor reflex leading to increased heart rate and vasoconstriction.
The other options — A) Increased renin release from the kidneys, B) Decreased sympathetic outflow to peripheral blood vessels, D) Increased release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Orthostatic hypotension triggers the baroreceptor reflex. A decrease in blood pressure is detected by baroreceptors, leading to increased sympathetic outflow, which causes vasoconstriction and increa…
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