MDC 3 Final Exam 2026–2028 | Rasmussen University | Complete
Study Guide & Practice Test | Verified Questions & Answers
Prepare for the Rasmussen University MDC 3 Final Exam with this comprehensive practice test
featuring verified questions, answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide covers
essential concepts commonly taught in Medical/Surgical Nursing and advanced patient care
courses, including clinical judgment, pharmacology, disease management, patient assessment,
safety, and evidence-based nursing interventions. Designed to reinforce critical nursing
knowledge and improve exam readiness, the material helps students build confidence through
realistic exam-style questions. Ideal for Rasmussen University nursing students seeking a reliable
resource to prepare for and successfully pass the MDC 3 Final Examination.
respiratory alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWER high pH, low CO2
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :metabolic acidosis - CORRECT ANSWER low pH, low HCO3
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :respiratory acidosis - CORRECT ANSWER low pH, high CO2
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :metabolic alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWER high pH, high HCO3
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :▪ change in condition make take priority over ABCs (ex: post op bleeding
is priority over an O2 Sat% of 90%)
▪ pick the patient that is going to die first - CORRECT ANSWER Priority
questions...something to consider
QUESTION :CPR, press the code button - CORRECT ANSWER You walk into your
patient's room and they *don't have a pulse*, what are you going to do?
, QUESTION :bag resuscitation, press the code button - CORRECT ANSWER You
walk into your patient's room and they are *not breathing but have a pulse*, what are
you going to do?
QUESTION :▪ unconscious, pulseless
▪ shock them with the AED! - CORRECT ANSWER If you walk into a room with a
patient that is in *ventricular fibrillation (v fib)*
▪ How will they present?
▪ What must we do to get them out of that state?
QUESTION :▪ make them bear down (valsalva maneuver)
▪ make them cough (vagal maneuver) - CORRECT ANSWER If you walk into a room
and a patient is alert and oriented, speaking to you, has a pulse, but their cardiac
monitor shows they are in *ventricular tachycardia*
▪ What are you going to do?
QUESTION :Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) - CORRECT ANSWER Which
cardiac rhythm requires the patient to take *adenosine*?
QUESTION :▪ they may end up with a *blood clot* because the blood is pooling in the
atria - CORRECT ANSWER What is our priority concern for a patient in *atrial
fibrillation (a-fib)*?
QUESTION :*control RVR for patient:*
▪ give anticoagulants
▪ beta blockers, digoxin, diltiazem
▪ if meds don't work...cardioversion (synchronized shock to re-start the rhythm)
▪ if cardioversion doesn't work...ablation - CORRECT ANSWER Nursing
Interventions: *A-fib RVR*
QUESTION :▪ chest pain
▪ SOB
▪ diaphoresis
▪ N/V
▪ hypertension
▪ tachycardia
▪ jaw pain, anxiety, indigestion (women)
▪ elevated troponin levels
▪ EKG changes - ST elevation - CORRECT ANSWER If you have a patient who
comes into the ED and they are having an MI, what are the signs/symptoms? lab values
to confirm this?
QUESTION :*Oxygen* - 1st
,*Nitro* - given sublingual, 3 doses q 5 min (home), drip (hospital), drops BP
(vasodilator)
*Aspirin* - antiplatelet, stops clotting, 325 mg, chew it
*Morphine* - calms the patient down, helps pain - CORRECT ANSWER Treatment:
*Myocardial Infarction*
QUESTION :▪ CPK
▪ troponin
▪ CK-MB
▪ BNP - CORRECT ANSWER Name the cardiac enzymes
QUESTION :angioplasty
stent the artery
angiogram
remove clots
cardiac catheterization - CORRECT ANSWER Procedures: *Myocardial Infarction
(MI)*
QUESTION :CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) - CORRECT ANSWER
Procedure: Patient has an MI and extreme plaque build up
QUESTION :pericarditis - CORRECT ANSWER inflammation of the membrane
surrounding the heart
QUESTION :heart can't expand and contract properly (*cardiac tamponade*) -
CORRECT ANSWER When you have pericarditis what are you at risk for?
QUESTION :pleural friction rub - CORRECT ANSWER What sounds will you hear in
a patient with pericarditis?
QUESTION :pericardial effusion - CORRECT ANSWER accumulation of fluid in the
pericardial cavity
QUESTION :Pericardialcentesis - CORRECT ANSWER Surgical treatment:
*Pericardial Effusion*
QUESTION :aneurysm - CORRECT ANSWER a localized weak spot or balloon-like
enlargement of the wall of an artery
QUESTION :Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - CORRECT ANSWER Which is the
most common aneurysm?
QUESTION :▪ epigastric pain
▪ pulsating in the abdomen - do not push on it! - CORRECT ANSWER S/S:
*Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)*
, QUESTION :immediately go to the OR for surgery
▪ pain between the scapulas (straight across the back) - CORRECT ANSWER S/S:
*Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm*
QUESTION :monior BP periodically and check the size of it
no anticoagulants!!! - CORRECT ANSWER Non-emergent thoracic aortic aneurysm
interventions
QUESTION :elevated BP 3 times in a six month period - documented by MD -
CORRECT ANSWER How do we diagnose hypertension?
QUESTION :▪ lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise)
▪ record values at home - CORRECT ANSWER Patient Education: *Hypertension*
QUESTION :▪ obesity
▪ drugs
▪ alcohol
▪ age
▪ race (hispanic, african american)
▪ high cholesterol
▪ family Hx
▪ elevated LDL, decreased HDL - CORRECT ANSWER Risk Factors: *Hypertension*
QUESTION :primary - because of the pressure in the arteries only, usually hereditary
secondary - r/t kidney problems or other issues - CORRECT ANSWER What's the
difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
QUESTION :▪ ACE inhibitors
▪ Beta Blockers
▪ ARBs
▪ Calcium Channel lockers - CORRECT ANSWER Pharmacological Treatment:
*Hypertension*
QUESTION :atherosclerosis - CORRECT ANSWER plaque builds up on the inner
walls of the arteries
QUESTION :▪ Cholesterol
▪ Smoking
▪ Uncontrolled diabetes
▪ Uncontrolled HTN
▪ Obesity
▪ Diet
▪ Lack of exercise - CORRECT ANSWER Causes of plaque build up
QUESTION :arteriosclerosis - CORRECT ANSWER hardening of the arteries,
happens with age, normal
Study Guide & Practice Test | Verified Questions & Answers
Prepare for the Rasmussen University MDC 3 Final Exam with this comprehensive practice test
featuring verified questions, answers, and detailed explanations. This study guide covers
essential concepts commonly taught in Medical/Surgical Nursing and advanced patient care
courses, including clinical judgment, pharmacology, disease management, patient assessment,
safety, and evidence-based nursing interventions. Designed to reinforce critical nursing
knowledge and improve exam readiness, the material helps students build confidence through
realistic exam-style questions. Ideal for Rasmussen University nursing students seeking a reliable
resource to prepare for and successfully pass the MDC 3 Final Examination.
respiratory alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWER high pH, low CO2
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :metabolic acidosis - CORRECT ANSWER low pH, low HCO3
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :respiratory acidosis - CORRECT ANSWER low pH, high CO2
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :metabolic alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWER high pH, high HCO3
pH: 7.35-7.45 acidic-basic
HCO3: 21-28 acidic-basic
CO2: 45-35 acidic-basic
QUESTION :▪ change in condition make take priority over ABCs (ex: post op bleeding
is priority over an O2 Sat% of 90%)
▪ pick the patient that is going to die first - CORRECT ANSWER Priority
questions...something to consider
QUESTION :CPR, press the code button - CORRECT ANSWER You walk into your
patient's room and they *don't have a pulse*, what are you going to do?
, QUESTION :bag resuscitation, press the code button - CORRECT ANSWER You
walk into your patient's room and they are *not breathing but have a pulse*, what are
you going to do?
QUESTION :▪ unconscious, pulseless
▪ shock them with the AED! - CORRECT ANSWER If you walk into a room with a
patient that is in *ventricular fibrillation (v fib)*
▪ How will they present?
▪ What must we do to get them out of that state?
QUESTION :▪ make them bear down (valsalva maneuver)
▪ make them cough (vagal maneuver) - CORRECT ANSWER If you walk into a room
and a patient is alert and oriented, speaking to you, has a pulse, but their cardiac
monitor shows they are in *ventricular tachycardia*
▪ What are you going to do?
QUESTION :Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) - CORRECT ANSWER Which
cardiac rhythm requires the patient to take *adenosine*?
QUESTION :▪ they may end up with a *blood clot* because the blood is pooling in the
atria - CORRECT ANSWER What is our priority concern for a patient in *atrial
fibrillation (a-fib)*?
QUESTION :*control RVR for patient:*
▪ give anticoagulants
▪ beta blockers, digoxin, diltiazem
▪ if meds don't work...cardioversion (synchronized shock to re-start the rhythm)
▪ if cardioversion doesn't work...ablation - CORRECT ANSWER Nursing
Interventions: *A-fib RVR*
QUESTION :▪ chest pain
▪ SOB
▪ diaphoresis
▪ N/V
▪ hypertension
▪ tachycardia
▪ jaw pain, anxiety, indigestion (women)
▪ elevated troponin levels
▪ EKG changes - ST elevation - CORRECT ANSWER If you have a patient who
comes into the ED and they are having an MI, what are the signs/symptoms? lab values
to confirm this?
QUESTION :*Oxygen* - 1st
,*Nitro* - given sublingual, 3 doses q 5 min (home), drip (hospital), drops BP
(vasodilator)
*Aspirin* - antiplatelet, stops clotting, 325 mg, chew it
*Morphine* - calms the patient down, helps pain - CORRECT ANSWER Treatment:
*Myocardial Infarction*
QUESTION :▪ CPK
▪ troponin
▪ CK-MB
▪ BNP - CORRECT ANSWER Name the cardiac enzymes
QUESTION :angioplasty
stent the artery
angiogram
remove clots
cardiac catheterization - CORRECT ANSWER Procedures: *Myocardial Infarction
(MI)*
QUESTION :CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) - CORRECT ANSWER
Procedure: Patient has an MI and extreme plaque build up
QUESTION :pericarditis - CORRECT ANSWER inflammation of the membrane
surrounding the heart
QUESTION :heart can't expand and contract properly (*cardiac tamponade*) -
CORRECT ANSWER When you have pericarditis what are you at risk for?
QUESTION :pleural friction rub - CORRECT ANSWER What sounds will you hear in
a patient with pericarditis?
QUESTION :pericardial effusion - CORRECT ANSWER accumulation of fluid in the
pericardial cavity
QUESTION :Pericardialcentesis - CORRECT ANSWER Surgical treatment:
*Pericardial Effusion*
QUESTION :aneurysm - CORRECT ANSWER a localized weak spot or balloon-like
enlargement of the wall of an artery
QUESTION :Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - CORRECT ANSWER Which is the
most common aneurysm?
QUESTION :▪ epigastric pain
▪ pulsating in the abdomen - do not push on it! - CORRECT ANSWER S/S:
*Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)*
, QUESTION :immediately go to the OR for surgery
▪ pain between the scapulas (straight across the back) - CORRECT ANSWER S/S:
*Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm*
QUESTION :monior BP periodically and check the size of it
no anticoagulants!!! - CORRECT ANSWER Non-emergent thoracic aortic aneurysm
interventions
QUESTION :elevated BP 3 times in a six month period - documented by MD -
CORRECT ANSWER How do we diagnose hypertension?
QUESTION :▪ lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise)
▪ record values at home - CORRECT ANSWER Patient Education: *Hypertension*
QUESTION :▪ obesity
▪ drugs
▪ alcohol
▪ age
▪ race (hispanic, african american)
▪ high cholesterol
▪ family Hx
▪ elevated LDL, decreased HDL - CORRECT ANSWER Risk Factors: *Hypertension*
QUESTION :primary - because of the pressure in the arteries only, usually hereditary
secondary - r/t kidney problems or other issues - CORRECT ANSWER What's the
difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
QUESTION :▪ ACE inhibitors
▪ Beta Blockers
▪ ARBs
▪ Calcium Channel lockers - CORRECT ANSWER Pharmacological Treatment:
*Hypertension*
QUESTION :atherosclerosis - CORRECT ANSWER plaque builds up on the inner
walls of the arteries
QUESTION :▪ Cholesterol
▪ Smoking
▪ Uncontrolled diabetes
▪ Uncontrolled HTN
▪ Obesity
▪ Diet
▪ Lack of exercise - CORRECT ANSWER Causes of plaque build up
QUESTION :arteriosclerosis - CORRECT ANSWER hardening of the arteries,
happens with age, normal
