DHA NURSING Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DHA NURSING facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A nurse assesses a breastfed newborn on day 5 of life. Which finding best indicates adequate milk intake? → 6–8 wet diapers per day
2. A patient on heparin infusion has an aPTT of 200 seconds (therapeutic range 60–100 seconds). What is the priority nursing action? → Hold the heparin infusion and notify the physician immediately
3. What happens to a DHA license if a nurse does not renew it within the grace period after expiry? → The license is cancelled and re-application is required
4. Which type of wound healing occurs when wound edges are surgically approximated and closed? → Primary intention
5. Which ECG finding is the hallmark of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)? → ST segment elevation of ≥1 mm in two or more contiguous leads
6. What is the primary purpose of a nursing care plan? → To provide a structured, individualised roadmap for patient care
7. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure according to DHA clinical guidelines? → Less than 120/80 mmHg
8. What does 'non-maleficence' mean in healthcare ethics? → The obligation to avoid causing harm to the patient
9. What is the correct method to verify a patient's identity before administering medication? → Check two patient identifiers such as full name and date of birth
10. Which model of community nursing focuses on the family as the unit of care rather than the individual? → Family-centred care model
11. What is the minimum duration for alcohol-based hand rub application according to DHA standards? → 20-30 seconds covering all surfaces of both hands until dry
12. What is the 'six rights' framework used for in nursing practice? → Ensuring safe medication administration
13. Which antidote is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression? → Naloxone (Narcan)
14. According to DHA nursing standards, what is the correct order for physical assessment? → Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
15. A mechanically ventilated patient develops sudden hypotension and absent breath sounds on one side. What complication should the nurse suspect? → Tension pneumothorax
16. Which route of drug administration has the fastest onset of action? → Intravenous (IV)
17. What does the term 'triage' mean in an emergency nursing context? → Sorting patients by urgency to prioritise care
18. Which position is recommended for a patient experiencing respiratory distress to maximise lung expansion? → High Fowler's (90°)
19. What is the purpose of the Braden Scale used in DHA healthcare facilities? → To assess a patient's risk for developing pressure injuries
20. Which method is the most accurate for measuring body temperature in an unconscious adult? → Rectal thermometry
21. A nurse observes variable decelerations on continuous fetal heart rate monitoring. What is the priority nursing action? → Reposition the mother
22. Which assessment tool is commonly used to identify early clinical deterioration in ward patients before ICU transfer? → National Early Warning Score (NEWS2)
23. Which dietary deficiency is most commonly associated with pressure ulcer development in hospitalised patients? → Protein and caloric malnutrition
24. Before administering a blood transfusion, which nursing action is the most critical safety step? → Two-nurse verification of patient identity and blood product compatibility
25. Which medication is routinely administered to newborns immediately after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn? → Vitamin K injection
26. What minimum English language proficiency score is generally accepted by DHA for nursing applicants? → IELTS 6.0 overall or OET Grade B
27. What is the most common early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a neuro-surgical patient? → Decreasing level of consciousness / altered mental status
28. Which APGAR score component specifically assesses a newborn's muscle tone? → Activity
29. What is the primary role of a community health nurse in a school health programme? → Health screening, health promotion, and early referral of students with identified needs
30. Which assessment finding in a post-thyroidectomy patient requires immediate nursing action? → Tetany, tingling around the mouth, and positive Trousseau's sign