MDC III Exam 3 (Rasmussen) Prep Document | 2026/2027
Edition | 150 Verified Questions - 124 Questions with Answers
MDC III Exam 3 (Rasmussen) 2026-124 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive test bank is meticulously curated for Rasmussen University's MDC III
(Medical-Surgical Nursing III) Exam 3, covering the most critical concepts and clinical scenarios. With
150 verified questions and correct answers, this resource ensures thorough preparation for the
2026/2027 academic year. Each question is aligned with the latest NCLEX-RN test plan and
Rasmussen curriculum, providing a realistic simulation of the exam environment. Master the essential
content and boost your confidence to achieve a top score.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular disorders: heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and
hypertension management.
In-depth review of respiratory conditions: COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS).
Detailed exploration of renal and urinary disorders: acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and dialysis
considerations.
Thorough analysis of neurological emergencies: stroke, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and
neurovascular assessments.
Complete guide to endocrine emergencies: diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, and
thyroid storm.
Focused content on gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders: pancreatitis, liver failure, and gastrointestinal
bleeding.
Critical thinking scenarios for perioperative care, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative
nursing interventions.
Evidence-based practice for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disturbances, and shock management.
Pharmacological principles and nursing considerations for high-alert medications used in medical-surgical
settings.
Patient education and discharge planning strategies for chronic disease management and prevention of
complications.
Priority-setting and delegation frameworks to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
Infection control and safety measures, including isolation precautions and prevention of healthcare-associated
infections.
Comprehensive review of laboratory values and diagnostic tests interpretation.
Ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice, including informed consent and patient advocacy.
Cultural competence and communication techniques for diverse patient populations.
Emergency preparedness and response, including code blue and rapid response team activation.
Quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives in medical-surgical nursing.
Integration of QSEN competencies: patient-centered care, teamwork, evidence-based practice, quality
improvement, safety, and informatics.
Updates for 2026:
- Revised to align with the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan and Rasmussen University curriculum updates.
- Incorporated latest evidence-based guidelines from AHA, ANA, and other leading organizations.
- Added new questions on COVID-19 complications and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Page 1
, - Enhanced rationales with current pharmacological and nursing interventions.
- Updated statistics and epidemiological data to reflect recent trends in medical-surgical nursing.
Abstract:
This exam preparation document is an indispensable resource for nursing students at Rasmussen University
preparing for MDC III Exam 3. It contains 150 verified questions that mirror the format and difficulty of the actual
exam, ensuring a comprehensive review of all major medical-surgical nursing concepts. The content is organized
to facilitate systematic study, covering cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal,
and perioperative care. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale, promoting
deep understanding and critical thinking. The document also includes test-taking strategies and prioritization
frameworks to enhance clinical judgment. By utilizing this test bank, students can identify knowledge gaps,
reinforce learning, and approach the exam with confidence. This resource is updated for the 2026/2027 academic
year, reflecting the latest evidence-based practices and NCLEX-RN standards.
Keywords:
MDC III Exam 3, Rasmussen University, Medical-Surgical Nursing, NCLEX-RN, Test Bank, Verified Questions,
2026/2027, Exam Prep
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is clearly indicated,
followed by a comprehensive rationale explaining why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect.
Rationales include pathophysiological explanations, nursing interventions, and clinical reasoning to reinforce
learning.
Compliance Checklist:
Aligned with Rasmussen University MDC III course objectives
Updated to reflect 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan
Includes evidence-based practice guidelines
Covers all major content areas of the exam
Provides rationales for correct and incorrect answers
Verified for accuracy by subject matter experts
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular Disorders 1-30 Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, 20%
Arrhythmias, Hypertension, Cardiac
Medications
Respiratory Disorders 31-55 COPD, Asthma, Pneumonia, ARDS, 17%
Pulmonary Embolism
Renal and Urinary Disorders 56-75 Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic Kidney 13%
Disease, Dialysis, Electrolyte Imbalances
Neurological Disorders 76-95 Stroke, Seizures, Increased Intracranial 13%
Pressure, Neurovascular Assessments
Endocrine Emergencies 96-110 Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Hyperglycemic 10%
Hyperosmolar State, Thyroid Storm,
Adrenal Insufficiency
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic 111-125 Pancreatitis, Liver Failure, Gastrointestinal 10%
Disorders Bleeding, Peptic Ulcer Disease
Page 2
,Perioperative and Critical Care 126-150 Pre-operative Assessment, Post-operative 17%
Complications, Shock Management, Fluid
and Electrolyte Therapy
Page 3
, Q1. A patient with septic shock remains hypotensive despite adequate fluid
resuscitation. Hemodynamics: CVP 6, MAP 60, ScvO2 65%, lactate 4. Which
intervention is most appropriate based on current Surviving Sepsis guidelines?
A. Start norepinephrine and titrate to MAP 65
B. Administer a 500 mL fluid bolus and reassess
C. Begin vasopressin as first-line agent
D. Initiate dobutamine to increase cardiac output
Correct Answer: A. Start norepinephrine and titrate to MAP 65
Rationale: In fluid-refractory septic shock, norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor to
achieve MAP 65. The patient is not fluid-responsive (CVP 6 but adequate resuscitation),
so additional fluids may cause harm. Vasopressin is second-line, and dobutamine is only
for specific low cardiac output states.
Why Wrong:
B - The patient is already adequately resuscitated; further boluses increase fluid
overload risk without improving perfusion.
C - Vasopressin is not first-line; it is added when norepinephrine alone is insufficient.
D - Dobutamine is not indicated without evidence of low cardiac output; it may
worsen hypotension.
Reference: Rhodes et al. (2017). Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines.
Critical Care Medicine.
Q2. A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is on
volume-controlled ventilation. Plateau pressure is 32 cm H2O and PaO2/FiO2 is 150.
Which ventilator adjustment aligns with lung-protective strategies?
A. Increase PEEP to improve oxygenation
B. Decrease tidal volume to 6 mL/kg ideal body weight
C. Switch to pressure-controlled ventilation
D. Increase FiO2 to 100% to correct hypoxemia
Correct Answer: B. Decrease tidal volume to 6 mL/kg ideal body weight
Rationale: Lung-protective ventilation mandates tidal volume 4-6 mL/kg IBW and plateau
pressure 30 cm H2O. The high plateau pressure indicates overdistention; reducing tidal
volume is the priority. Increasing PEEP may help oxygenation but does not address the
high plateau pressure directly, and pressure control is not inherently protective.
Why Wrong:
A - Increasing PEEP may further increase plateau pressure and worsen lung injury.
C - Pressure-controlled mode does not guarantee safe tidal volumes; it is not the
primary protective strategy.
D - High FiO2 can cause absorption atelectasis and oxygen toxicity; target is 88-95%.
Page 4
Edition | 150 Verified Questions - 124 Questions with Answers
MDC III Exam 3 (Rasmussen) 2026-124 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified
Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive test bank is meticulously curated for Rasmussen University's MDC III
(Medical-Surgical Nursing III) Exam 3, covering the most critical concepts and clinical scenarios. With
150 verified questions and correct answers, this resource ensures thorough preparation for the
2026/2027 academic year. Each question is aligned with the latest NCLEX-RN test plan and
Rasmussen curriculum, providing a realistic simulation of the exam environment. Master the essential
content and boost your confidence to achieve a top score.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular disorders: heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and
hypertension management.
In-depth review of respiratory conditions: COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS).
Detailed exploration of renal and urinary disorders: acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and dialysis
considerations.
Thorough analysis of neurological emergencies: stroke, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and
neurovascular assessments.
Complete guide to endocrine emergencies: diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, and
thyroid storm.
Focused content on gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders: pancreatitis, liver failure, and gastrointestinal
bleeding.
Critical thinking scenarios for perioperative care, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative
nursing interventions.
Evidence-based practice for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disturbances, and shock management.
Pharmacological principles and nursing considerations for high-alert medications used in medical-surgical
settings.
Patient education and discharge planning strategies for chronic disease management and prevention of
complications.
Priority-setting and delegation frameworks to enhance clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
Infection control and safety measures, including isolation precautions and prevention of healthcare-associated
infections.
Comprehensive review of laboratory values and diagnostic tests interpretation.
Ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice, including informed consent and patient advocacy.
Cultural competence and communication techniques for diverse patient populations.
Emergency preparedness and response, including code blue and rapid response team activation.
Quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives in medical-surgical nursing.
Integration of QSEN competencies: patient-centered care, teamwork, evidence-based practice, quality
improvement, safety, and informatics.
Updates for 2026:
- Revised to align with the 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan and Rasmussen University curriculum updates.
- Incorporated latest evidence-based guidelines from AHA, ANA, and other leading organizations.
- Added new questions on COVID-19 complications and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Page 1
, - Enhanced rationales with current pharmacological and nursing interventions.
- Updated statistics and epidemiological data to reflect recent trends in medical-surgical nursing.
Abstract:
This exam preparation document is an indispensable resource for nursing students at Rasmussen University
preparing for MDC III Exam 3. It contains 150 verified questions that mirror the format and difficulty of the actual
exam, ensuring a comprehensive review of all major medical-surgical nursing concepts. The content is organized
to facilitate systematic study, covering cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal,
and perioperative care. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale, promoting
deep understanding and critical thinking. The document also includes test-taking strategies and prioritization
frameworks to enhance clinical judgment. By utilizing this test bank, students can identify knowledge gaps,
reinforce learning, and approach the exam with confidence. This resource is updated for the 2026/2027 academic
year, reflecting the latest evidence-based practices and NCLEX-RN standards.
Keywords:
MDC III Exam 3, Rasmussen University, Medical-Surgical Nursing, NCLEX-RN, Test Bank, Verified Questions,
2026/2027, Exam Prep
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is clearly indicated,
followed by a comprehensive rationale explaining why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect.
Rationales include pathophysiological explanations, nursing interventions, and clinical reasoning to reinforce
learning.
Compliance Checklist:
Aligned with Rasmussen University MDC III course objectives
Updated to reflect 2026/2027 NCLEX-RN test plan
Includes evidence-based practice guidelines
Covers all major content areas of the exam
Provides rationales for correct and incorrect answers
Verified for accuracy by subject matter experts
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular Disorders 1-30 Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, 20%
Arrhythmias, Hypertension, Cardiac
Medications
Respiratory Disorders 31-55 COPD, Asthma, Pneumonia, ARDS, 17%
Pulmonary Embolism
Renal and Urinary Disorders 56-75 Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic Kidney 13%
Disease, Dialysis, Electrolyte Imbalances
Neurological Disorders 76-95 Stroke, Seizures, Increased Intracranial 13%
Pressure, Neurovascular Assessments
Endocrine Emergencies 96-110 Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Hyperglycemic 10%
Hyperosmolar State, Thyroid Storm,
Adrenal Insufficiency
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic 111-125 Pancreatitis, Liver Failure, Gastrointestinal 10%
Disorders Bleeding, Peptic Ulcer Disease
Page 2
,Perioperative and Critical Care 126-150 Pre-operative Assessment, Post-operative 17%
Complications, Shock Management, Fluid
and Electrolyte Therapy
Page 3
, Q1. A patient with septic shock remains hypotensive despite adequate fluid
resuscitation. Hemodynamics: CVP 6, MAP 60, ScvO2 65%, lactate 4. Which
intervention is most appropriate based on current Surviving Sepsis guidelines?
A. Start norepinephrine and titrate to MAP 65
B. Administer a 500 mL fluid bolus and reassess
C. Begin vasopressin as first-line agent
D. Initiate dobutamine to increase cardiac output
Correct Answer: A. Start norepinephrine and titrate to MAP 65
Rationale: In fluid-refractory septic shock, norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor to
achieve MAP 65. The patient is not fluid-responsive (CVP 6 but adequate resuscitation),
so additional fluids may cause harm. Vasopressin is second-line, and dobutamine is only
for specific low cardiac output states.
Why Wrong:
B - The patient is already adequately resuscitated; further boluses increase fluid
overload risk without improving perfusion.
C - Vasopressin is not first-line; it is added when norepinephrine alone is insufficient.
D - Dobutamine is not indicated without evidence of low cardiac output; it may
worsen hypotension.
Reference: Rhodes et al. (2017). Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines.
Critical Care Medicine.
Q2. A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is on
volume-controlled ventilation. Plateau pressure is 32 cm H2O and PaO2/FiO2 is 150.
Which ventilator adjustment aligns with lung-protective strategies?
A. Increase PEEP to improve oxygenation
B. Decrease tidal volume to 6 mL/kg ideal body weight
C. Switch to pressure-controlled ventilation
D. Increase FiO2 to 100% to correct hypoxemia
Correct Answer: B. Decrease tidal volume to 6 mL/kg ideal body weight
Rationale: Lung-protective ventilation mandates tidal volume 4-6 mL/kg IBW and plateau
pressure 30 cm H2O. The high plateau pressure indicates overdistention; reducing tidal
volume is the priority. Increasing PEEP may help oxygenation but does not address the
high plateau pressure directly, and pressure control is not inherently protective.
Why Wrong:
A - Increasing PEEP may further increase plateau pressure and worsen lung injury.
C - Pressure-controlled mode does not guarantee safe tidal volumes; it is not the
primary protective strategy.
D - High FiO2 can cause absorption atelectasis and oxygen toxicity; target is 88-95%.
Page 4
