Rasmussen University
DETSET · 1CDM
★ ★
R School of Nursing
EST. 1900
EMPOWERED LEARNING. INSPIRED FUTURES.
MDC 1 — Most Tested Concepts
O N CO LO G Y · W O M E N 'S H E A LT H · M E N 'S H E A LT H · R E N A L · ST I S
INSTITUTION Rasmussen University COURSE CODE MDC1
PROGRAM Associate of Science in Nursing — ACADEMIC YEAR
ADN
EXAM TITLE MDC 1 — Most Tested Concepts COURSE TITLE Multidimensional Care I
TOTAL QUESTIONS 75 Questions FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ Content covers the most tested concepts: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, PCOS,
menopause, BPH, testicular torsion, renal disorders, and STIs.
▸ Key nursing priorities, complications, and diagnostic tests are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
, HIGH-YIELD EXAMINATION REVIEW Questions 1 – 75
1. What is the #1 early sign of breast cancer?
A. Bloody nipple discharge
B. Painless lump
C. Breast pain and tenderness
D. Nipple retraction
CORRECT ANSWER B — Painless lump is the #1 early sign of breast cancer.
RATIONALE A painless, hard, irregular, non-mobile lump is the most common early presenting
sign of breast cancer. This is a critical exam concept — breast cancer is typically
PAINLESS in early stages. Pain is more commonly associated with benign
conditions (fibrocystic changes, mastitis). Other signs: peau d'orange (dimpled
skin from lymph obstruction — a BAD sign indicating advanced disease), nipple
retraction, bloody discharge, and skin changes. Definitive diagnosis is always by
BIOPSY. Post-mastectomy care: NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm (risk
of lymphedema — the major complication). Mammogram is the screening tool.
2. What does peau d'orange indicate in breast cancer?
A. A benign skin condition unrelated to cancer
B. Lymph obstruction — a bad prognostic sign indicating advanced disease
C. An early, highly curable sign of breast cancer
D. A sign of infection requiring antibiotics
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lymph obstruction — a bad sign indicating advanced breast cancer.
RATIONALE Peau d'orange (French for "orange peel skin") is dimpled, thickened skin with
enlarged pores resembling an orange peel. It results from tumor invasion and
obstruction of dermal lymphatic vessels → lymphedema of the skin. This is a BAD
prognostic sign indicating locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer. It is
NOT an early sign. The nurse must recognize this as a serious finding requiring
immediate evaluation. Lymphedema of the arm is the major post-mastectomy
complication — prevention includes NO blood pressure, IV sticks, or venipuncture
on the affected arm.
, 3. What provides the definitive diagnosis for breast cancer?
A. Mammogram
B. Biopsy
C. Ultrasound
D. MRI
CORRECT ANSWER B — Biopsy is ALWAYS the definitive diagnosis.
RATIONALE Biopsy is the ONLY definitive method to diagnose any cancer — breast, cervical,
prostate, etc. It provides tissue for histologic examination to determine if cells are
malignant, identify tumor type and grade, and guide treatment. Mammogram is a
SCREENING tool — it detects suspicious masses but cannot definitively diagnose
cancer. Ultrasound and MRI provide additional imaging information but are not
diagnostic. The rule: BIOPSY IS ALWAYS DEFINITIVE. This is a heavily tested
concept across all cancer types.
4. What is the most important post-mastectomy nursing intervention?
A. Encourage range of motion exercises on the affected arm immediately
B. NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm
C. Apply heat to the surgical site
D. Position the affected arm in a dependent position
CORRECT ANSWER B — NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm.
RATIONALE Post-mastectomy, the affected arm is at lifelong risk for LYMPHEDEMA due to
lymph node removal or radiation damage. Lymphatic drainage is impaired →
fluid accumulates. The nurse must NEVER take blood pressure, perform
venipuncture, or place IV lines in the affected arm — these can trigger or worsen
lymphedema. The arm should be elevated (not dependent) to promote drainage.
Signs should be posted above the bed. The patient must be educated to protect
the arm from injury, avoid heavy lifting, and wear compression garments if
prescribed. Lymphedema is a major complication of breast cancer treatment.
DETSET · 1CDM
★ ★
R School of Nursing
EST. 1900
EMPOWERED LEARNING. INSPIRED FUTURES.
MDC 1 — Most Tested Concepts
O N CO LO G Y · W O M E N 'S H E A LT H · M E N 'S H E A LT H · R E N A L · ST I S
INSTITUTION Rasmussen University COURSE CODE MDC1
PROGRAM Associate of Science in Nursing — ACADEMIC YEAR
ADN
EXAM TITLE MDC 1 — Most Tested Concepts COURSE TITLE Multidimensional Care I
TOTAL QUESTIONS 75 Questions FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ Content covers the most tested concepts: breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, PCOS,
menopause, BPH, testicular torsion, renal disorders, and STIs.
▸ Key nursing priorities, complications, and diagnostic tests are emphasized.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
, HIGH-YIELD EXAMINATION REVIEW Questions 1 – 75
1. What is the #1 early sign of breast cancer?
A. Bloody nipple discharge
B. Painless lump
C. Breast pain and tenderness
D. Nipple retraction
CORRECT ANSWER B — Painless lump is the #1 early sign of breast cancer.
RATIONALE A painless, hard, irregular, non-mobile lump is the most common early presenting
sign of breast cancer. This is a critical exam concept — breast cancer is typically
PAINLESS in early stages. Pain is more commonly associated with benign
conditions (fibrocystic changes, mastitis). Other signs: peau d'orange (dimpled
skin from lymph obstruction — a BAD sign indicating advanced disease), nipple
retraction, bloody discharge, and skin changes. Definitive diagnosis is always by
BIOPSY. Post-mastectomy care: NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm (risk
of lymphedema — the major complication). Mammogram is the screening tool.
2. What does peau d'orange indicate in breast cancer?
A. A benign skin condition unrelated to cancer
B. Lymph obstruction — a bad prognostic sign indicating advanced disease
C. An early, highly curable sign of breast cancer
D. A sign of infection requiring antibiotics
CORRECT ANSWER B — Lymph obstruction — a bad sign indicating advanced breast cancer.
RATIONALE Peau d'orange (French for "orange peel skin") is dimpled, thickened skin with
enlarged pores resembling an orange peel. It results from tumor invasion and
obstruction of dermal lymphatic vessels → lymphedema of the skin. This is a BAD
prognostic sign indicating locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer. It is
NOT an early sign. The nurse must recognize this as a serious finding requiring
immediate evaluation. Lymphedema of the arm is the major post-mastectomy
complication — prevention includes NO blood pressure, IV sticks, or venipuncture
on the affected arm.
, 3. What provides the definitive diagnosis for breast cancer?
A. Mammogram
B. Biopsy
C. Ultrasound
D. MRI
CORRECT ANSWER B — Biopsy is ALWAYS the definitive diagnosis.
RATIONALE Biopsy is the ONLY definitive method to diagnose any cancer — breast, cervical,
prostate, etc. It provides tissue for histologic examination to determine if cells are
malignant, identify tumor type and grade, and guide treatment. Mammogram is a
SCREENING tool — it detects suspicious masses but cannot definitively diagnose
cancer. Ultrasound and MRI provide additional imaging information but are not
diagnostic. The rule: BIOPSY IS ALWAYS DEFINITIVE. This is a heavily tested
concept across all cancer types.
4. What is the most important post-mastectomy nursing intervention?
A. Encourage range of motion exercises on the affected arm immediately
B. NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm
C. Apply heat to the surgical site
D. Position the affected arm in a dependent position
CORRECT ANSWER B — NO blood pressure or IV on the affected arm.
RATIONALE Post-mastectomy, the affected arm is at lifelong risk for LYMPHEDEMA due to
lymph node removal or radiation damage. Lymphatic drainage is impaired →
fluid accumulates. The nurse must NEVER take blood pressure, perform
venipuncture, or place IV lines in the affected arm — these can trigger or worsen
lymphedema. The arm should be elevated (not dependent) to promote drainage.
Signs should be posted above the bed. The patient must be educated to protect
the arm from injury, avoid heavy lifting, and wear compression garments if
prescribed. Lymphedema is a major complication of breast cancer treatment.
