The nurse is discussing antihypertensive medications with a group of clients. Which element will the nurse identify as responsible for regulating the pressure in the cardiovascular system? Select all that apply.

A. Heart rate: Heart rate plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. An increase in heart rate can increase cardiac output, which, in turn, raises blood pressure. Conversely, a decrease in heart rate can lower cardiac output and reduce blood pressure. B. Pulse pressure: Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. While it provides information about the elasticity of the arteries and cardiovascular health, it is not directly responsible for regulating blood pressure. C. Total peripheral resistance: Total peripheral resistance refers to the resistance of the arteries to blood flow, which is influenced by the size and tone of the blood vessels. Increased resistance leads to higher blood pressure. D. Preload: Preload is the amount of blood returning to the heart and is a key factor in regulating blood pressure. Increased preload can lead to greater cardiac output and higher blood pressure. Managing preload is essential for maintaining cardiovascular stability. E. Stroke volume: Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat. It directly affects cardiac output, and thus, blood pressure. A higher stroke volume can increase blood pressure by increasing the amount of blood pumped into the arteries.