A nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. The nurse should recognize that which statement best describes the atrial kick?

A. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.

This choice is correct. During atrial systole (atrial contraction), the atria contract, pushing the remaining blood into the ventricles. This additional filling of the ventricles optimizes cardiac output.

B. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.

This statement is incorrect. The atria do not contract during systole; they contract during diastole (atrial systole) to fill the ventricles.

C. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.

This statement is incorrect. Atrial kick refers to the atrial contraction, not the pressure exerted against the atria.

D. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.

This statement is not entirely accurate. A palpitation is a sensation of rapid or strong heartbeat, which might be felt during various cardiac events, not specifically during atrial contraction at the beginning of diastole.

A. The eyes converge to focus on the light.

This statement refers to the convergence reflex, where both eyes move medially (towards each other) to maintain single binocular vision when focusing on a near object. It is not related to the pupillary light reflex, which involves changes in pupil size in response to light.

B. The eye focuses the image in the center of the pupil.

This choice does not accurately describe the pupillary light reflex. The pupillary light reflex involves constriction of the pupil in response to light, not focusing an image in the center of the pupil.

C. Dilation of both pupils occurs in response to bright light.

This statement is incorrect. In response to bright light, the pupils should constrict, not dilate. Dilation of pupils in bright light could indicate an abnormal response, such as in cases of certain neurological conditions or drug use.

D. Constriction of both pupils occurs in response to bright light.

This choice is correct. In the pupillary light reflex, both pupils constrict when exposed to bright light. This response is a protective mechanism to prevent excessive light from entering the eyes, ensuring optimal visual acuity.