NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A patient with heart failure has an ejection fraction of 25%. The
nurse understands that this indicates:
A. Normal systolic function
B. Severely reduced systolic function
C. Diastolic dysfunction
D. Hyperdynamic circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Severely reduced systolic function
Rationale: An ejection fraction below 40% indicates systolic heart failure (HFrEF),
with normal being 50-70%. An EF of 25% represents significantly reduced
ventricular contractility.
Question 2: A nurse provides morning care for a client in the ICU. Suddenly, the
bedside monitor shows ventricular fibrillation and the client becomes
unresponsive. After calling for assistance, what action should the nurse take
next?
A. Prepare for endotracheal intubation
B. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
C. Provide electrical cardioversion
D. Administer intravenous epinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Rationale: For a pulseless, unresponsive patient in ventricular fibrillation,
immediate CPR is the priority while preparing for defibrillation.
Question 3: A client with left-sided heart failure reports dyspnea and has
crackles in both lungs. What is the nurse's priority action?
,NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A. Administer a diuretic as ordered
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
C. Check oxygen saturation and apply oxygen
D. Obtain an echocardiogram
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
Rationale: Positioning the client in high-Fowler's position reduces venous return
and pulmonary congestion, which is a priority to relieve dyspnea.
Question 4: A patient with angina is taking metoprolol. The nurse understands
that the primary therapeutic effect of this medication is to:
A. Increase cardiac output
B. Decrease myocardial oxygen demand
C. Vasodilate coronary arteries
D. Prevent thrombus formation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decrease myocardial oxygen demand
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective adrenergic antagonist that blocks the
effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on the heart, leading to a slower heart
rate and decreased force of myocardial contraction.
Question 5: A patient with heart failure is on a fluid restriction of 1.5 L/day.
Approximately how many mL per hour is allowed?
A. 125 mL/hr
B. 62.5 mL/hr
C. 100 mL/hr
D. 80 mL/hr
,NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 62.5 mL/hr
Rationale: 1.5 L = 1500 mL divided by 24 hours equals approximately 62.5 mL per
hour.
Question 6: The nurse is caring for a patient with acute decompensated heart
failure. Which finding indicates worsening pulmonary congestion?
A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Crackles in the lung bases extending upward
C. Peripheral edema
D. Jugular vein distention
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Crackles in the lung bases extending upward
Rationale: Crackles that progress upward indicate worsening pulmonary edema as
fluid accumulates in the alveoli.
Question 7: Which laboratory finding is the gold standard for diagnosing heart
failure?
A. Troponin I
B. CK-MB
C. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
D. ABGs
CORRECT ANSWER: C. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
Rationale: BNP is a hormone released by the ventricles in response to increased
wall tension and volume overload, elevated levels indicate heart failure.
Question 8: A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. The
nurse understands that this medication:
, NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A. Increases heart rate
B. Reduces mortality by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
C. Is a vasodilator only
D. Should be given at maximum dose initially
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reduces mortality by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
Rationale: Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that reduces mortality in heart failure with
reduced ejection fraction and must be started at a low dose and titrated slowly.
Question 9: How often should a patient with heart failure weigh themselves?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Daily
D. Every other day
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Daily
Rationale: Daily weights at the same time each day (morning, after voiding,
before breakfast) are essential for monitoring fluid retention in heart failure
patients.
Question 10: A patient in septic shock has received 30 mL/kg of crystalloid and
remains hypotensive with a MAP of 54 mm Hg. Lactate is 4.2 mmol/L and ScvO2
is 62%. Norepinephrine is infusing at 15 mcg/min. Which intervention best
aligns with current Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations before
escalating vasopressor dose?
A. Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic and obtain repeat blood cultures
B. Transfuse one unit of packed red blood cells to achieve a hematocrit >30%
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: A patient with heart failure has an ejection fraction of 25%. The
nurse understands that this indicates:
A. Normal systolic function
B. Severely reduced systolic function
C. Diastolic dysfunction
D. Hyperdynamic circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Severely reduced systolic function
Rationale: An ejection fraction below 40% indicates systolic heart failure (HFrEF),
with normal being 50-70%. An EF of 25% represents significantly reduced
ventricular contractility.
Question 2: A nurse provides morning care for a client in the ICU. Suddenly, the
bedside monitor shows ventricular fibrillation and the client becomes
unresponsive. After calling for assistance, what action should the nurse take
next?
A. Prepare for endotracheal intubation
B. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
C. Provide electrical cardioversion
D. Administer intravenous epinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Rationale: For a pulseless, unresponsive patient in ventricular fibrillation,
immediate CPR is the priority while preparing for defibrillation.
Question 3: A client with left-sided heart failure reports dyspnea and has
crackles in both lungs. What is the nurse's priority action?
,NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A. Administer a diuretic as ordered
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
C. Check oxygen saturation and apply oxygen
D. Obtain an echocardiogram
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
Rationale: Positioning the client in high-Fowler's position reduces venous return
and pulmonary congestion, which is a priority to relieve dyspnea.
Question 4: A patient with angina is taking metoprolol. The nurse understands
that the primary therapeutic effect of this medication is to:
A. Increase cardiac output
B. Decrease myocardial oxygen demand
C. Vasodilate coronary arteries
D. Prevent thrombus formation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Decrease myocardial oxygen demand
Rationale: Metoprolol is a beta-1 selective adrenergic antagonist that blocks the
effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on the heart, leading to a slower heart
rate and decreased force of myocardial contraction.
Question 5: A patient with heart failure is on a fluid restriction of 1.5 L/day.
Approximately how many mL per hour is allowed?
A. 125 mL/hr
B. 62.5 mL/hr
C. 100 mL/hr
D. 80 mL/hr
,NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 62.5 mL/hr
Rationale: 1.5 L = 1500 mL divided by 24 hours equals approximately 62.5 mL per
hour.
Question 6: The nurse is caring for a patient with acute decompensated heart
failure. Which finding indicates worsening pulmonary congestion?
A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Crackles in the lung bases extending upward
C. Peripheral edema
D. Jugular vein distention
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Crackles in the lung bases extending upward
Rationale: Crackles that progress upward indicate worsening pulmonary edema as
fluid accumulates in the alveoli.
Question 7: Which laboratory finding is the gold standard for diagnosing heart
failure?
A. Troponin I
B. CK-MB
C. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
D. ABGs
CORRECT ANSWER: C. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
Rationale: BNP is a hormone released by the ventricles in response to increased
wall tension and volume overload, elevated levels indicate heart failure.
Question 8: A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. The
nurse understands that this medication:
, NUR 2502 Exam 2026–2027 | Rasmussen NUR 2502 Multidimensional Care
III (MDC 3) Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 & Final Exam Study Guide | NUR2502 MDC
3 Nursing Exam Prep | Cardiovascular Disorders, Heart Failure,
Dysrhythmias, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Hematology, Oncology,
Respiratory Disorders, Renal Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Endocrine
Disorders, GI Disorders, Multisystem Conditions, Pharmacology, Patient
Assessment, Prioritization, Delegation & Clinical Judgment | Practice
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A. Increases heart rate
B. Reduces mortality by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
C. Is a vasodilator only
D. Should be given at maximum dose initially
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reduces mortality by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors
Rationale: Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that reduces mortality in heart failure with
reduced ejection fraction and must be started at a low dose and titrated slowly.
Question 9: How often should a patient with heart failure weigh themselves?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Daily
D. Every other day
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Daily
Rationale: Daily weights at the same time each day (morning, after voiding,
before breakfast) are essential for monitoring fluid retention in heart failure
patients.
Question 10: A patient in septic shock has received 30 mL/kg of crystalloid and
remains hypotensive with a MAP of 54 mm Hg. Lactate is 4.2 mmol/L and ScvO2
is 62%. Norepinephrine is infusing at 15 mcg/min. Which intervention best
aligns with current Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations before
escalating vasopressor dose?
A. Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic and obtain repeat blood cultures
B. Transfuse one unit of packed red blood cells to achieve a hematocrit >30%
