What term describes the regularity of contractions?

• A. Rhythm
• B. Pulse rate
• C. Force
• D. Cardiac output

Answer: (A)

Rhythm describes how regularly contractions occur, capturing the timing between successive contractions. If the contractions are evenly spaced, the rhythm is regular; if the spacing varies, the rhythm is irregular. Pulse rate counts how many contractions happen per minute, not the pattern; force refers to how strong each contraction is; cardiac output is the total amount of blood pumped per minute. So rhythm is the best term for describing regularity.