What is the normal cardiac output (CO) range in liters per minute?

Prepare for the ANCC Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The normal cardiac output (CO) range is typically defined as 4-8 liters per minute in a healthy adult at rest. Cardiac output is a critical physiological parameter that reflects the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, and it is a product of heart rate and stroke volume. In general clinical practice, the accepted normal range is significant because it helps clinicians assess the adequacy of a patient’s circulatory system.

Cardiac output may vary depending on factors such as the patient's body size, age, gender, and level of physical activity, but most adult populations fall within this 4-8 L/min range under resting conditions. Knowing this normal range helps healthcare providers quickly identify potential cardiovascular issues by comparing measured outputs against expected values during patient assessments.

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