Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cardiac Vascular Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

Endothelial Derived Releasing Factor (EDRF), which is now widely recognized as nitric oxide (NO), plays a significant role in cardiovascular physiology. Its primary function involves the inhibition of platelet aggregation, which is crucial in maintaining hemostatic balance and preventing thrombosis. By reducing platelet aggregation, EDRF helps to prevent the formation of clots within blood vessels, thereby promoting smooth blood flow and reducing the risk of vascular occlusion.

Additionally, nitric oxide acts as a potent vasodilator. When released by endothelial cells in response to stimuli such as shear stress from blood flow, it relaxes vascular smooth muscle, leading to an increase in vessel diameter and improved blood circulation. This action further contributes to the overall anti-thrombotic environment by preventing excessive adherence of platelets and leukocytes to the vascular wall.

In contrast, other functions mentioned in the options are not associated with EDRF. For example, vasoconstriction is the action of narrowing blood vessels, which is opposite to the effects of EDRF. Promoting leukocyte adhesion would lead to inflammation and is linked with injury repair rather than the protective role of EDRF. Lastly, while increased shear force affects endothelial activation, it is not directly a function of E