What is the name for the phase when the heart is contracting and pumping blood?

The correct term for the phase when the heart is contracting and pumping blood is indeed the systolic phase. During this phase, the ventricles of the heart contract to push blood out into the arteries, specifically sending oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs for reoxygenation. This contraction is crucial for maintaining circulation and ensuring that all body tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Understanding the distinction between the systolic phase and the other phases is important. For instance, the diastolic phase is when the heart relaxes after contraction and the chambers fill with blood, which is a different function vital for heart efficiency. The resting phase isn't an official term in cardiac physiology, and 'relaying' doesn’t pertain to heart function at all. Thus, recognizing the phases of the heart cycle is essential in nursing, as it contributes to patient assessments and understanding overall cardiovascular health.