Which phase is characterized by increased cardiac output?

Which phase is characterized by increased cardiac output?

• A. Ebb phase
• B. Adaptive phase
• C. Flow phase
• D. Recovery phase

Answer: (C)

Flow phase is the period when cardiac output rises to meet the body's increased metabolic demands after the initial injury and resuscitation. In this phase the circulation becomes hyperdynamic: heart rate and stroke volume typically increase, systemic vascular resistance falls, and tissue oxygen delivery ramps up to support the heavy energy and repair requirements of the body. Clinically, this is the phase where perfusion is restored and the patient often exhibits warm extremities due to the boosted cardiac output. This aligns with the body’s shift from initial stabilization to supporting hypermetabolism and wound healing. In contrast, the ebb phase features reduced cardiac output and perfusion, while the recovery phase involves gradual normalization of hemodynamics and metabolism toward baseline.

Flow phase is the period when cardiac output rises to meet the body's increased metabolic demands after the initial injury and resuscitation. In this phase the circulation becomes hyperdynamic: heart rate and stroke volume typically increase, systemic vascular resistance falls, and tissue oxygen delivery ramps up to support the heavy energy and repair requirements of the body. Clinically, this is the phase where perfusion is restored and the patient often exhibits warm extremities due to the boosted cardiac output. This aligns with the body’s shift from initial stabilization to supporting hypermetabolism and wound healing. In contrast, the ebb phase features reduced cardiac output and perfusion, while the recovery phase involves gradual normalization of hemodynamics and metabolism toward baseline.