What is the average cardiac output at rest?

The average cardiac output at rest for a healthy adult typically ranges around 4,000 to 6,000 mL/min, which aligns closely with the choice identified as correct. Cardiac output is calculated as the product of heart rate (number of beats per minute) and stroke volume (the volume of blood pumped by the heart with each beat). A standard resting heart rate is approximately 60 to 100 beats per minute, and with an average stroke volume of about 70 mL, this translates to a cardiac output that is indeed around 5,000 mL/min, reinforcing the accuracy of the chosen answer.

In contrast, the other options significantly deviate from standard physiological measurements. For instance, 22,800 mL/min and 34,200 mL/min are excessively high, as they would imply an unattainably high rate at which the heart can pump blood, far exceeding typical values. The option of 120 mL/min is also insufficient, as it suggests an abnormally low output that would not support basic bodily functions. Thus, the average cardiac output at rest being approximately 4,900 mL/min is a reflection of normal heart function and aligns well with established physiological data.