Latest DHA Prometric Exam Questions and Answers for Nurses
Latest DHA Prometric Exam Questions and Answers for Nurses
For nurses worldwide, obtaining a license to practice in Dubai represents a pinnacle of professional achievement. The city’s healthcare system is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, multicultural patient environment, and commitment to excellence. The mandatory gateway to this career is the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Prometric Exam for Nurses. This is not merely a test of textbook knowledge; it is a sophisticated assessment of a nurse’s ability to apply clinical reasoning, prioritize care effectively, and ensure patient safety in complex, real-world scenarios.
Many aspiring candidates find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the challenge of finding reliable, up-to-date practice materials. This ultimate guide is designed to cut through the noise. We provide an in-depth analysis of the latest question styles, a breakdown of high-yield clinical topics for 2025, and a collection of realistic sample questions with detailed, expert-written answers and rationales. Our goal is to move beyond simple memorization and equip you with the strategic thinking and deep clinical understanding required to not only pass but excel in your DHA Prometric exam preparation.
Key Takeaways for the 2025 DHA Nursing Exam
- Clinical Judgment is Paramount: The exam is built on clinical vignettes. Your ability to assess a situation, identify the priority problem, and select the appropriate intervention is the most critical skill.
- Patient Safety is the Golden Thread: Every aspect of the exam, from pharmacology to infection control, is viewed through the lens of patient safety. Always choose the option that best protects the patient from harm.
- Master Prioritization Frameworks: Questions will constantly force you to decide “what to do first.” Be fluent in using frameworks like Airway-Breathing-Circulation (ABCs), Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and the nursing process (ADPIE).
- Pharmacology Requires 100% Accuracy: Expect dosage calculation questions. They are considered “critical safety” questions and require perfect accuracy. Practice these until they are second nature.
- Fundamentals are the Foundation: A rock-solid understanding of nursing fundamentals—including fluid and electrolyte balance, vital signs interpretation, and ethical/legal principles—is non-negotiable.
Deconstructing the DHA Nursing Exam Blueprint for 2025
To build an effective study plan, you must first understand the exam’s structure and content distribution. The DHA exam for Registered Nurses is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 150 multiple-choice questions administered over 165 minutes. To learn more about the overall process, our guide to the Prometric exam for nurses is an excellent starting point.
Content Domain Breakdown
The exam evaluates your competency across the full spectrum of nursing practice. A strategic study plan should allocate time proportional to the weight of each domain.
| Domain | High-Yield Topics and Concepts for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Nursing | The Nursing Process (ADPIE), Ethical & Legal Issues (Informed Consent, Confidentiality, Malpractice), Documentation Principles, Vital Signs Interpretation, Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances (Hypokalemia, Hypernatremia), IV Therapy Management (Phlebitis, Infiltration, Extravasation), Aseptic Technique, and Wound Care. |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | This is the largest section. Focus on Cardiovascular (MI, HF, Hypertension), Respiratory (Asthma, COPD, Pneumonia), Endocrine (Diabetes Mellitus, DKA, HHS, Thyroid Disorders), Neurological (Stroke, Seizures, Head Injury), GI (Peptic Ulcer, GI Bleed), and Renal (CKD, AKI). Pre-operative and post-operative care is a major focus. |
| Pharmacology & Medication Administration | Dosage Calculations (Oral, IV push, IV drip rates), the “10 Rights” of Medication Administration, Major Drug Classifications (Anticoagulants, Antihypertensives, Diuretics, Antibiotics, Insulin), Recognizing and Managing Adverse Drug Reactions and Allergic Reactions. |
| Patient Safety & Infection Control | Standard, Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions. Correct Donning and Doffing of PPE. Fall Prevention Strategies, Use of Restraints, Safe Patient Handling, Medication Reconciliation, and Early Recognition of Sepsis and Anaphylaxis. |
| Maternal & Child Health Nursing | Normal Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum Care. Recognizing and managing complications (e.g., Postpartum Hemorrhage, Preeclampsia). Newborn Assessment (Apgar score, normal reflexes). Pediatric Milestones, Pediatric Medication Administration, and management of common childhood illnesses like dehydration and respiratory infections. |
| Leadership, Management & Delegation | Prioritization of care among multiple patients, appropriate delegation of tasks to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), conflict resolution, and effective inter-professional communication using tools like SBAR. |
When answering a question, always ask: “What is the safest action for the nurse to take *right now*?” This simple question can help you eliminate incorrect options and identify the priority.
Latest Questions & In-Depth Answers: A Strategic Analysis
The best way to prepare is to practice with questions that mirror the complexity and style of the actual exam. Engaging with high-quality DHA Prometric exam practice tests is crucial.
1. The Prioritization Question: “Who Do You See First?”
Sample Question 1: Prioritization
A nurse on a medical unit has just received the change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
- A client with chronic kidney disease who has a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L and missed a dose of their phosphate binder.
- A client with pneumonia who has a temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C) and is requesting an extra blanket.
- A client admitted for a GI bleed 24 hours ago who is now reporting feeling dizzy when sitting up.
- A client with Type 2 diabetes who has a pre-meal blood glucose of 150 mg/dL and is asking for their insulin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a Circulation/Safety issue. Dizziness upon sitting up (orthostatic hypotension) in a client with a recent GI bleed is a potential sign of ongoing blood loss and hypovolemia. This indicates circulatory instability and is the most life-threatening situation among the options, requiring immediate assessment of vital signs and notification of the physician.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is slightly elevated but not yet at a critical level that would cause immediate cardiac dysrhythmias. This client needs intervention but is not as unstable as client C.
B: A fever is an expected finding in a client with pneumonia. While it needs to be managed, it does not represent the immediate life-threatening instability seen in client C.
D: A blood glucose of 150 mg/dL is elevated but not critically high. The request for insulin is appropriate and routine, not an emergency.
2. The Pharmacology Question: “Is This Safe?”
Sample Question 2: Medication Safety
A nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the following findings would prompt the nurse to hold the medication and notify the physician?
- Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
- Apical heart rate of 52 beats per minute
- Serum potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L
- Client reports seeing yellow halos around lights
Correct Answer: B & D are both correct; this format tests critical thinking. However, in a single-choice MCQ, one is often *more* critical. Let’s analyze both.
Rationale for B: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate (negative chronotropic effect). An apical heart rate below 60 bpm is a sign of bradycardia and a contraindication to administering the drug, as it could worsen the condition. This is a standard safety protocol.
Rationale for D: Seeing yellow or green halos around lights (xanthopsia) is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity. This indicates the client already has a dangerously high level of the drug in their system. Administering another dose could be life-threatening. This is a critical assessment finding that requires immediate action.
Conclusion for MCQs: If forced to choose one, the report of yellow halos (D) is a sign of *existing toxicity*, which is arguably more urgent than the bradycardia (B), which is a sign of *potential* toxicity. Both require holding the dose, but D indicates a more advanced problem.
Why other options are incorrect:
A: This blood pressure is within normal limits and is not a contraindication for digoxin.
C: A potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L is normal. Hypokalemia (low potassium) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, but this client’s level is safe.
3. The Infection Control Question: “What is the Precaution?”
Sample Question 3: Infection Control
A nurse is admitting a client from the emergency department with a productive cough, fever, night sweats, and a history of recent travel to a high-risk country. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is suspected. What is the priority nursing action?
- Administer the first dose of prescribed antibiotics.
- Obtain a sputum sample for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) testing.
- Place the client in a private, negative-pressure airflow room.
- Perform a comprehensive head-to-toe physical assessment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a safety question based on the principles of infection control. Pulmonary TB is transmitted via the airborne route. The absolute first priority is to prevent transmission to other clients and healthcare workers. This is achieved by immediately placing the client on airborne precautions in a negative-pressure room. All other actions can and should be performed *after* the client is properly isolated.
Why other options are incorrect:
A, B, D: These are all important and necessary nursing actions for this client. However, none of them take precedence over immediate isolation to prevent the spread of a highly infectious airborne disease. Safety of the entire unit comes first.
Building Your High-Impact Study Schedule
A structured study plan is essential for covering the vast amount of content. An effective strategy is a core component of the path to passing the Prometric exam for nurses.
- Phase 1: Diagnostic and Foundational Review (2-3 weeks): Start by taking a 100-question diagnostic test to identify your baseline strengths and weaknesses. Then, spend this phase doing a high-level review of all major nursing topics, focusing on your weakest areas.
- Phase 2: System-Based Deep Dive & QBank Practice (6-8 weeks): This is the core of your study. Dedicate 1-2 weeks per system (e.g., Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Endocrine). In the morning, review the pathophysiology and nursing care for key diseases. In the afternoon, complete 50-75 QBank questions on that specific system. Read every single rationale, even for questions you got right.
- Phase 3: Integration and Simulation (3-4 weeks): Shift your practice to mixed-subject, timed exams of 75-150 questions to simulate the real test. This builds mental endurance and improves your time management. In the final two weeks, take at least three full-length self-assessments. Aim for scores consistently above 65-70%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the DHA Nursing Exam
The DHA exam is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. While the exact percentage is not publicly disclosed, the generally accepted passing standard is around 60% to 65%. To be confident, you should aim to score consistently above 70% in your practice simulations.
Both are comprehensive nursing exams that test clinical judgment. The DHA exam is more direct and knowledge-based, often focusing on the “what” and “why” of nursing care. The NCLEX is known for its alternate format questions (like “select all that apply”) and a heavier emphasis on delegation and prioritization. However, the core clinical content is very similar. The standards for safe nursing practice are universal, and resources like the NCSBN website provide excellent insight into test plan development.
Unlike the NCLEX, the DHA exam primarily consists of standard multiple-choice questions with one correct answer. While the format could change, historically, SATA questions are rare to non-existent on the DHA nursing exam.
Pharmacology is a major component integrated into most clinical scenarios. You can expect around 10-15% of the exam to be directly or indirectly related to pharmacology. This will include 3-5 direct dosage calculation questions. You must get these correct.
The exam tests universal, evidence-based nursing standards and best practices (e.g., from WHO, AHA). You are not expected to know specific hospital policies from Dubai. Focus on globally accepted standards of care.
Passing the exam gives you an eligibility letter, which is valid for one year. This allows you to start job hunting in Dubai. Once you secure a position, your employer will use your eligibility letter to activate your professional DHA license.
Candidates are generally allowed three attempts to pass the exam. If you fail three times, your application may be rejected, and you might be required to complete further training before being allowed to re-apply. Always check the official DHA website for the most current policies.
Always guess. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Your score is based solely on the number of questions you answer correctly. Use the process of elimination to narrow down the choices and then make your best educated guess.
You can only bring your valid, original passport into the testing room. The name on your passport must match your registration name perfectly. All other belongings, including watches, phones, and bags, must be stored in a locker provided by the center.
While Medical-Surgical nursing is the largest component, Maternal & Child Health is still a significant section. You should expect around 15-20% of your questions to cover topics in obstetrics, postpartum care, newborn assessment, and pediatric nursing.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Nursing Career in Dubai
The DHA Prometric exam is a challenging but achievable milestone. It is a test designed to verify your competence and ensure you are ready to provide safe, high-quality care. Success is not about memorizing thousands of facts but about developing a deep understanding of the principles behind excellent nursing. By using a structured study plan, focusing on high-yield topics, and practicing extensively with realistic questions and rationales, you can walk into the exam center with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve your goal and begin an exciting new chapter in your nursing career in Dubai.
Ready to Master the DHA Exam and Secure Your Future?
Gain a competitive edge with our expertly crafted DHA nursing question banks, designed to simulate the real exam and provide detailed rationales for every question.
