DHA Exam Questions for Nurses: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide
DHA Exam Questions for Nurses: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide
For thousands of nurses around the globe, securing a position in Dubai’s prestigious healthcare sector is a career-defining goal. The city offers a unique blend of cutting-edge medical technology, diverse patient populations, and an exceptional quality of life. At the heart of this ambition lies a critical challenge: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Prometric Exam. This rigorous, computer-based assessment is the key that unlocks your professional future in the Emirate, validating your skills against the highest international standards of nursing care.
The internet is saturated with promises of “exam dumps” and shortcuts. However, experienced candidates know that success on the DHA exam comes not from memorization, but from mastery. The exam is a sophisticated test of your clinical judgment, your ability to prioritize under pressure, and your unwavering commitment to patient safety. The questions are designed to make you think critically, applying foundational knowledge to complex, real-world clinical scenarios.
This ultimate 2025 guide has been meticulously crafted to be your definitive resource for DHA exam preparation. We will move beyond simple tips and provide a deep, strategic analysis of the exam’s structure. You’ll find detailed breakdowns of high-yield topics, realistic sample questions with exhaustive rationales, and a proven study framework to guide your efforts. Our mission is to equip you with the deep understanding and clinical reasoning skills needed to face any question with confidence and pass on your first attempt.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Clinical Reasoning is King: The exam is built on clinical vignettes. Your ability to assess, analyze, and act in a given scenario is more important than recalling isolated facts.
- Safety First, Always: From medication rights to infection control, patient safety is the single most important theme. Questions will constantly test your ability to identify and mitigate risks.
- Prioritization as a Core Skill: Learn to quickly identify the most unstable patient using frameworks like ABCs and Maslow’s Hierarchy. This is a frequently tested competency.
- Achieve Flawless Calculations: Medication dosage questions are a given. They require 100% accuracy. Practice until these calculations are second nature.
- Build on a Solid Foundation: A comprehensive understanding of nursing fundamentals—from the nursing process (ADPIE) to fluid and electrolyte management—is non-negotiable.
Deconstructing the DHA Nursing Exam Blueprint for 2025
A successful strategy starts with knowing your adversary. The DHA exam for Registered Nurses is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) featuring 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 165 minutes. It is crucial to understand the content domains to allocate your study time effectively. For a deeper look into the exam requirements, you can review the official DHA exam syllabus.
Content Domain Breakdown
The exam is a comprehensive assessment of your nursing knowledge. While the DHA doesn’t publish precise percentages, the question distribution mirrors the core responsibilities of a registered nurse.
| Domain | Key Topics Covered in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Nursing | Nursing process (ADPIE), ethical/legal principles (consent, confidentiality), documentation, vital signs interpretation, fluid & electrolyte imbalances, IV therapy (complications like phlebitis, infiltration), wound care stages, patient mobility and safety. |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Comprehensive management of patients with cardiovascular (MI, HF), respiratory (COPD, Asthma), endocrine (Diabetes, DKA, HHS), neurological (Stroke, Seizures), GI, and renal disorders. A major focus is on pre-operative and post-operative care, including preventing complications like DVT and pneumonia. |
| Pharmacology | Medication calculations (oral, IV, drip rates), the “10 Rights” of administration, major drug classes (e.g., anticoagulants, antihypertensives, antibiotics), recognizing and managing adverse effects and allergic reactions. |
| Patient Safety & Infection Control | Standard, contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. Donning/Doffing of PPE. Fall prevention protocols, safe patient handling and ergonomics, recognizing early signs of sepsis and anaphylaxis. |
| Maternal & Child Health (Pediatrics & OB/GYN) | Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care (recognizing hemorrhage). Newborn assessment (Apgar, normal reflexes). Pediatric growth and development, pediatric medication safety, and managing common conditions like dehydration. |
| Leadership, Management & Delegation | Prioritization of care among multiple patients, appropriate delegation of tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), effective inter-professional communication (e.g., SBAR), and conflict resolution. |
As you tackle each practice question, ask yourself: “Which of these options provides the safest and most immediate care for this patient, according to best practices?” This mindset is key to success.
Mastering DHA Question Formats with In-Depth Examples
Let’s analyze the types of questions you will encounter, complete with detailed rationales that explain both the correct and incorrect choices. Utilizing high-quality DHA practice tests is essential for this phase of your preparation.
1. Prioritization & Delegation Scenarios
Sample Question 1: Prioritization
The nurse is assigned to a telemetry unit. After receiving the morning report, which patient requires the nurse’s immediate attention?
- A patient with atrial fibrillation (controlled) who has a heart rate of 88 bpm and is requesting breakfast.
- A patient admitted with heart failure who gained 1 kg in 24 hours and reports feeling “more tired” than yesterday.
- A patient who had a cardiac catheterization 4 hours ago and is complaining of 3/10 pain at the insertion site.
- A patient who received a new prescription for an ACE inhibitor one hour ago and is now reporting a swollen tongue and lips.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This is an Airway question. A swollen tongue and lips (angioedema) are signs of a severe allergic reaction to the ACE inhibitor. This is a life-threatening emergency as the swelling can quickly obstruct the patient’s airway. This patient is the most unstable and requires immediate intervention.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: This patient is stable. A controlled heart rate is the goal for atrial fibrillation, and requesting breakfast is a normal activity.
B: A 1 kg weight gain in a heart failure patient is significant and indicates worsening fluid retention. It requires assessment and intervention (like notifying the physician), but it is not as immediately life-threatening as an airway compromise.
C: Mild pain at the insertion site is an expected finding after a cardiac catheterization. It should be assessed and managed but is not the top priority.
2. Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Sample Question 2: Dosage Calculation
A physician orders an IV infusion of Dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 70 kg. The pharmacy supplies a bag of 400 mg of Dopamine in 250 mL of D5W. The nurse should set the infusion pump to how many mL/hour?
- 13.1 mL/hr
- 15.5 mL/hr
- 21.2 mL/hr
- 26.4 mL/hr
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This is a multi-step calculation.
Step 1: Calculate the total mcg needed per minute.
5 mcg/kg/min x 70 kg = 350 mcg/min.
Step 2: Calculate the total mcg needed per hour.
350 mcg/min x 60 min/hr = 21,000 mcg/hr.
Step 3: Convert the dose in the bag to mcg.
400 mg x 1000 mcg/mg = 400,000 mcg.
Step 4: Calculate the concentration of the solution.
400,000 mcg / 250 mL = 1,600 mcg/mL.
Step 5: Calculate the final rate in mL/hr.
21,000 mcg/hr / 1,600 mcg/mL = 13.125 mL/hr. Rounded to the nearest tenth, this is 13.1 mL/hr.
3. Infection Control and Safety Protocols
Sample Question 3: Isolation Precautions
A patient admitted with persistent diarrhea and abdominal cramping has tested positive for Clostridium difficile (C. diff). What is the most critical infection control instruction for the nurse to give the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- “Wear an N95 respirator every time you enter the room.”
- “Make sure to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after leaving the room.”
- “You must wash your hands with soap and water after providing care.”
- “Wear a surgical mask and eye protection when assisting the patient.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The only effective way to remove the spores and prevent transmission is through the mechanical action of washing hands with soap and water. This is a critical safety point. The patient would be on contact precautions, requiring a gown and gloves.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: An N95 respirator is for airborne precautions (like TB), not contact.
B: This is incorrect and dangerous advice, as hand sanitizer is ineffective against C. diff spores.
D: Mask and eye protection are part of droplet precautions or used when a splash risk is present, which is not the primary precaution for C. diff.
Deep Dive: High-Yield Clinical Topics for the DHA Exam
To excel, you must move beyond surface-level knowledge. This section delves into the critical thinking required for key clinical areas.
Medical-Surgical Nursing: Mastering Complex Scenarios
Neurological Care
- Ischemic Stroke: Time is brain. Know the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call). Understand the critical role of determining the last known well time for tPA eligibility. Priority nursing care involves frequent neuro checks, maintaining blood pressure within a specific range, and protecting the airway.
- Seizure Management: Patient safety is the number one priority during a seizure. Interventions include turning the patient on their side, protecting their head, loosening restrictive clothing, and NOT putting anything in their mouth. Post-seizure (postictal phase), the nurse should monitor the patient’s respiratory status and reorient them.
Post-Operative Care
- Recognizing Complications: Be able to identify early signs of common post-op complications. A new onset of shortness of breath and chest pain could be a pulmonary embolism. A tender, swollen calf could be a DVT. A low-grade fever on day one is common, but a high fever on day three or four suggests an infection.
- Pain Management: Understand the importance of adequate pain control to facilitate early ambulation and respiratory exercises, which in turn prevents complications. Be familiar with PCA pumps and the importance of patient (not family) use.
Fundamentals of Nursing: The Bedrock of Safe Practice
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
This is a frequently tested area. A deep understanding is crucial.
| Imbalance | Key Signs & Symptoms | Priority Nursing Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L) | Muscle weakness, leg cramps, flattened T waves on ECG, risk of paralytic ileus. | Administer potassium supplements (oral or IV). NEVER give potassium via IV push. Monitor cardiac rhythm. |
| Hyperkalemia (>5.0 mEq/L) | Muscle cramps, paresthesia, peaked T waves on ECG, life-threatening arrhythmias (V-fib, asystole). | Place on continuous cardiac monitor. Administer prescribed treatments like insulin/dextrose, kayexalate, or calcium gluconate for cardiac protection. |
| Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L) | Confusion, headache, lethargy, seizures (due to cerebral edema). | Implement seizure precautions. Monitor neurological status closely. Administer hypertonic saline (e.g., 3% NaCl) carefully if ordered for severe cases. |
| Hypernatremia (>145 mEq/L) | Thirst, dry mucous membranes, lethargy, altered mental status, possibly seizures. | Encourage oral fluids. Administer hypotonic IV fluids (e.g., 0.45% NaCl) as ordered. Monitor neurological status and for signs of cerebral edema during rehydration. |
Developing a Winning Study Strategy
A structured approach is essential for covering the vast amount of material. Effective DHA exam preparation involves more than just reading.
- Create a Detailed Study Plan: Allocate 8-12 weeks for your preparation. Divide your study time by systems (e.g., Cardiovascular, Respiratory, etc.). Dedicate specific days to theory review and others to question practice.
- Invest in a Premier Question Bank (QBank): This is the single most critical tool. Use a reputable QBank with a large volume of questions and detailed rationales. Aim to complete at least 2,000+ questions.
- Master the Art of Question Analysis: For every question, whether you get it right or wrong, read the entire rationale. Understand why the correct option is best and why the other options (distractors) are incorrect. This builds your clinical judgment.
- Simulate the Real Exam: In the last 2-3 weeks, take multiple full-length, timed mock exams. This builds mental stamina, refines your time management skills, and reduces test-day anxiety.
- Focus on Your Weaknesses: Use the analytics from your QBank to identify areas where you consistently score lower. Dedicate extra study sessions to these topics, reviewing core content before doing more questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The exam is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. The DHA does not publish the exact percentage, but the consensus in the industry is that a score of approximately 60-65% is required to pass. Aiming for consistent scores of 70% or higher in your practice tests is a good benchmark for readiness.
The DHA Registered Nurse (RN) exam typically contains 150 multiple-choice questions. You will have 165 minutes to complete the test. This breaks down to just over one minute per question, so pacing is essential.
No, there is no penalty or negative marking for incorrect answers. Your score is based solely on the number of questions you answer correctly. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to answer every single question, even if you have to make an educated guess.
While both are competency-based exams that use clinical scenarios, there are differences. The NCLEX, administered by the NCSBN in the United States, is a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT), where the difficulty of questions changes based on your answers. The DHA exam is a linear test, where the questions are pre-determined and do not change. The content areas are very similar, making NCLEX preparation materials an excellent resource for DHA study.
Focus on understanding drug classes rather than memorizing hundreds of individual drugs. For each class (e.g., Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Diuretics), know the mechanism of action, common indications, major side effects, and key nursing considerations. And of course, practice dosage calculation problems daily.
Candidates are generally allowed up to three attempts to pass the DHA exam. The specific waiting period between attempts can vary, so it’s essential to check the official DHA guidelines after receiving your result. After three unsuccessful attempts, a candidate may need to provide evidence of additional training before being allowed to re-apply.
After passing, you will be issued an eligibility letter, which is valid for one year. You must then secure a job with a DHA-licensed facility. Your employer will then complete the process of activating your DHA license. The entire application process is detailed in our guide on how to apply for the DHA exam and license.
The only required item is your original, valid passport. The name on your passport must perfectly match your registration details. No other forms of ID are accepted. The testing center will provide a locker for your personal belongings.
Yes, on the DHA linear exam, you can navigate back and forth between questions within the allotted time. You can also flag questions you are unsure about and return to them later for review before you submit your exam.
The DataFlow Group performs Primary Source Verification (PSV), which is a mandatory process of verifying your credentials (education, license, experience) directly from the issuing institution. This is a crucial step that must be completed successfully before your DHA license can be issued.
Conclusion: Your Commitment to Excellence
The DHA nursing exam is a significant professional milestone, designed to uphold the high standards of healthcare in Dubai. Success is a direct result of diligent, strategic preparation. By focusing on clinical reasoning, understanding the principles of patient safety, and dedicating yourself to a structured study plan, you are not just preparing to pass a test—you are preparing to be an exceptional nurse in one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare environments.
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