The Nurse Is Reviewing the Anatomy and Physiologic Functioning of the Heart

The nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. Which statement best describes what is meant by atrial kick?

A) The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
B) Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
C) Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
D) The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.