Echocardiography Exam 2 Practice Test

In the RVSP formula, the two terms are combined how to produce the final estimate?

They are subtracted They are multiplied They are added They are divided

Correct Answer:

They are added

Explanation:

In estimating RVSP, you combine the Doppler-derived pressure gradient with the right atrial pressure by adding them. The velocity of the tricuspid regurgitation jet gives the pressure difference between the right ventricle and right atrium through the simplified Bernoulli equation: ΔP = 4v^2. This gradient represents how much pressure the RV must generate above the RA during systole. To obtain the actual right ventricular systolic pressure, you add the estimated right atrial pressure to that gradient: RVSP ≈ 4(TRV)^2 + RAP. So the final estimate comes from summing the two terms, not subtracting, multiplying, or dividing. For example, if TRV is 3 m/s, the gradient is 36 mmHg; adding an RAP around 5–10 mmHg gives an RVSP in the ~41–46 mmHg range.

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