LANIF · 2CDM
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R School of Nursing
EST. 1900
EMPOWERED LEARNING. INSPIRED FUTURES.
MDC2 — Final Exam Review
CO M P R E H E N S I V E N U RS I N G R E V I E W · A L L SYST E M S · 9 8 Q U E ST I O N S
INSTITUTION Rasmussen University COURSE CODE MDC2
PROGRAM Associate of Science in Nursing — ACADEMIC YEAR
ADN
EXAM TITLE MDC2 Final Exam — COURSE TITLE Multidimensional Care II
Comprehensive Review
TOTAL QUESTIONS 98 Questions FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the
Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question unless otherwise instructed.
▸ Content covers all systems: endocrine, GI, fluid/electrolytes, oncology, diabetes, and critical care.
▸ ABG interpretation, medication calculations, and nursing priorities are integrated throughout.
▸ Correct answers and clinical rationales appear below each question for board review purposes.
▸ All clinical data reflects current evidence-based nursing practice.
, COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM REVIEW Questions 1 – 98
1. The nurse is providing care for a client who underwent a parathyroidectomy two days
ago. To prevent complications with this surgery, which laboratory value requires close
monitoring by the nurse?
A. Potassium levels
B. Calcium levels
C. Sodium levels
D. Magnesium levels
CORRECT ANSWER B — Calcium levels.
RATIONALE Post-parathyroidectomy, the most critical lab to monitor is calcium. The
parathyroid glands produce PTH which regulates serum calcium. After removal of
overactive glands, the remaining parathyroid tissue may be suppressed or
damaged → hypocalcemia. Signs: tingling around mouth/fingers, muscle cramps,
positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, tetany, laryngospasm, and seizures if
severe. IV calcium gluconate must be at the bedside. Calcium levels are checked
frequently (every 4–6 hours initially) in the immediate post-op period.
,2. A client is diagnosed with metastatic cancer. The family asks the nurse, "What's the
difference between hospice and palliative care?" The nurse correctly responds with
which statement?
A. Hospice and palliative care are exactly the same thing
B. Palliative care is to prevent and treat symptoms and side effects of treatment, while
hospice care stops treatment and makes the patient comfortable
C. Palliative care is only for cancer patients; hospice is for all terminal illnesses
D. Hospice provides curative treatment; palliative care does not
CORRECT ANSWER B — Palliative care prevents/treats symptoms and side effects of treatment;
hospice stops treatment and focuses on comfort.
RATIONALE Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness, even alongside curative
treatment, focusing on symptom management and quality of life. Hospice care
begins when curative treatment is stopped and life expectancy is <6 months — the
focus is exclusively on comfort, dignity, and preparation for death without
hastening or prolonging life. Both provide interdisciplinary, holistic care but differ
in timing, goals, and eligibility criteria.
, 3. The nurse is caring for a 46-year-old female client who presented to the ED with
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue over the past few days. The client has recently
been diagnosed with breast cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy. The
client's labs reveal: Sodium 150 mEq/mL, Potassium 3.0 mEq/mL, Calcium 15 mg/dL.
Which of the following imbalances is the client exhibiting?
A. Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia, Hypocalcemia
B. Hypernatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypercalcemia
C. Hypernatremia, Hyperkalemia, Hypercalcemia
D. Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypocalcemia
CORRECT ANSWER B — Hypernatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypercalcemia.
RATIONALE Normal ranges: Sodium 135–145 mEq/L (150 = hypernatremia from
dehydration/vomiting), Potassium 3.5–5.0 mEq/L (3.0 = hypokalemia from GI
losses and poor intake), Calcium 9.0–10.5 mg/dL (15 = severe hypercalcemia).
Hypercalcemia of malignancy is common with breast cancer that has
metastasized to bone — tumor-produced PTH-related protein stimulates
osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, releasing calcium into the bloodstream.
Treatment: aggressive IV Normal Saline hydration, loop diuretics (furosemide),
bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid), calcitonin, and potassium replacement.