Care III (MDC 3) Exam 1 Study Guide: Key
Nursing Concepts, Practice Questions, and
Review for Rasmussen University 2026/2027
Question 1
A client with a urinary tract infection has just been diagnosed with acute kidney
injury. The provider ordered lab work to be done. The nurse expects which of the
following abnormal labs to be present in this client with acute kidney injury?
A. Potassium = 3.0 mEq/L
B. Potassium = 5.8 mEq/L
C. Sodium = 145 mEq/L
D. Calcium = 9.0 mg/dL
**Correct Answer: B. Potassium = 5.8 mEq/L**
**Rationale:** In acute kidney injury, the kidneys fail to excrete potassium
properly, leading to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels, typically above 5.0
mEq/L). This is a common abnormal lab finding.
- **A (Incorrect):** Potassium = 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which is not
typical in acute kidney injury but could occur in other conditions like diuretic use.
- **B (Correct):** As explained.
- **C (Incorrect):** Sodium = 145 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145
mEq/L) and not specifically abnormal in acute kidney injury.
- **D (Incorrect):** Calcium = 9.0 mg/dL is normal (8.5-10.5 mg/dL);
hypocalcemia is more common in acute kidney injury due to impaired vitamin D
activation.
,Question 2
The nurse includes which of the following in self-management teaching for a client
diagnosed with vulvovaginitis?
A. Cleanse the inner labial mucosa with water, not soap
B. Use scented soaps for better hygiene
C. Wear tight-fitting underwear
D. Apply petroleum jelly daily
**Correct Answer: A. Cleanse the inner labial mucosa with water, not soap**
**Rationale:** Soap can irritate the vaginal mucosa and disrupt the natural pH
balance, worsening vulvovaginitis. Using plain water for cleansing is a key self-
management strategy.
- **A (Correct):** As explained.
- **B (Incorrect):** Scented soaps can cause further irritation and allergic
reactions.
- **C (Incorrect):** Tight-fitting underwear traps moisture, promoting bacterial
growth.
- **D (Incorrect):** Petroleum jelly can trap bacteria and is not recommended for
vulvovaginitis management.
Question 3
The nurse educates a teenage client on the benefits of receiving the HPV vaccine as
protection against which type of cancer?
A. Cervical cancer
B. Lung cancer
C. Skin cancer
D. Liver cancer
**Correct Answer: A. Cervical cancer**
,**Rationale:** The HPV vaccine primarily protects against human papillomavirus
strains that cause cervical cancer, as well as other genital cancers.
- **A (Correct):** As explained.
- **B (Incorrect):** Lung cancer is more associated with smoking and radon
exposure.
- **C (Incorrect):** Skin cancer is linked to UV exposure, not HPV.
- **D (Incorrect):** Liver cancer is often caused by hepatitis B or C viruses.
Question 4
A 40-year-old woman has heavy vaginal bleeding. Which of the following questions
is the priority when evaluating the client's chief complaint?
A. "Are you feeling weak, dizzy, or lightheaded?"
B. "How long have you been married?"
C. "What is your favorite food?"
D. "Do you exercise regularly?"
**Correct Answer: A. "Are you feeling weak, dizzy, or lightheaded?"**
**Rationale:** These symptoms indicate possible hypovolemia or anemia from
blood loss, making it a priority to assess hemodynamic stability.
- **A (Correct):** As explained.
- **B (Incorrect):** Marital status is irrelevant to acute bleeding assessment.
- **C (Incorrect):** Dietary preferences do not address the immediate complaint.
- **D (Incorrect):** Exercise habits are secondary to evaluating acute symptoms.
Question 5
A nurse is providing education to a client diagnosed with urinary incontinence.
Which of the following should be included in the client's education?
A. Maintain an ideal body weight
B. Increase caffeine intake
, C. Avoid Kegel exercises
D. Wear absorbent pads constantly
**Correct Answer: A. Maintain an ideal body weight**
**Rationale:** Excess weight increases abdominal pressure on the bladder,
exacerbating incontinence; weight management is a key non-invasive strategy.
- **A (Correct):** As explained.
- **B (Incorrect):** Caffeine is a diuretic and bladder irritant, worsening
incontinence.
- **C (Incorrect):** Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles and are
recommended.
- **D (Incorrect):** Pads are a management tool, but education focuses on
prevention like weight control.
Question 6
A client experiencing secondary syphilis may experience which of the following
signs and symptoms? (Select all that apply)
A. Generalized rash
B. Headache
C. Low-grade fever
D. Chancre on the genitals
**Correct Answer: A, B, C. Generalized rash, Headache, Low-grade fever**
**Rationale:** Secondary syphilis presents with systemic symptoms like rash,
headache, and fever due to dissemination of the bacteria.
- **A (Correct):** Rash is a hallmark of secondary syphilis.
- **B (Correct):** Headache indicates systemic involvement.
- **C (Correct):** Low-grade fever is common in the secondary stage.
- **D (Incorrect):** Chancre is specific to primary syphilis.