1. A patient presents with decreased cardiac output and hypotension. Which compensatory mechanism is most likely to be activated? - A) Decreased heart rate - B) Vasoconstriction - C) Decreased myocardial contractility - D) Vasodilation Answer: B) Vasoconstriction. Rationale: In response to hypotension, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure. 2. During an action potential of a neuron, which ion initially flows into the cell membrane causing depolarization? - A) Sodium (Na+) - B) Potassium (K+) - C) Calcium (Ca2+) - D) Chloride (Cl-) Answer: A) Sodium (Na+). Rationale: The influx of sodium ions into the neuron during an action potential causes depolarization, which is the