DOH Nursing Practice Test (Abu Dhabi) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What infection prevention standards does DOH Abu Dhabi mandate for nursing practice?

Comprehensive infection prevention including hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, safe injection practices, and surveillance participation (Correct answer)
No specific standards exist in Abu Dhabi
Only hand washing is required
Infection control is the responsibility of a single department only

Correct answer: Comprehensive infection prevention including hand hygiene, standard and transmission-based precautions, safe injection practices, and surveillance participation

DOH mandates comprehensive infection prevention programs including WHO hand hygiene compliance, standard and transmission-based precautions, safe injection practices, environmental cleaning standards, and active infection surveillance.

Question 2: A nurse is caring for a patient with liver cirrhosis who develops asterixis. What condition does this finding suggest?

Alcohol withdrawal seizures
Hepatic encephalopathy (Correct answer)
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Portal hypertension alone

Correct answer: Hepatic encephalopathy

Asterixis ('flapping tremor') is a characteristic sign of hepatic encephalopathy caused by ammonia accumulation when the failing liver cannot convert ammonia to urea. It is elicited by asking the patient to hold their wrists extended.

Question 3: Which sign differentiates placenta previa from abruptio placentae?

Both are identical in presentation and require ultrasound to differentiate
Placenta previa causes painful contractions; abruption causes painless bleeding
Both conditions present with painful bright red bleeding
Placenta previa: painless bright red bleeding; Abruptio: painful dark bleeding with rigid abdomen (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Placenta previa: painless bright red bleeding; Abruptio: painful dark bleeding with rigid abdomen

Placenta previa (placenta covering the cervical os) causes painless, bright red vaginal bleeding as the cervix dilates. Abruption (premature placental separation) causes painful, dark bleeding with a rigid boardlike abdomen. These differences guide immediate management.

Question 4: What telehealth nursing standards does DOH Abu Dhabi establish?

Telehealth nursing is prohibited
No standards exist for telehealth nursing
Only physicians provide telehealth
Defined scope for telehealth consultations, documentation requirements, patient consent, privacy protection, and technology competency standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Defined scope for telehealth consultations, documentation requirements, patient consent, privacy protection, and technology competency standards

DOH has established telehealth nursing standards covering scope of virtual consultations, documentation requirements, informed consent, patient privacy protection, technology competency, and quality assurance measures.

Question 5: A patient is prescribed IV vancomycin. Which monitoring parameter is most important?

Cardiac monitoring only
Liver function tests
Blood glucose every 6 hours
Renal function (serum creatinine, BUN) and vancomycin trough levels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Renal function (serum creatinine, BUN) and vancomycin trough levels

Vancomycin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic. Renal function is monitored because the drug is renally cleared and accumulates with renal impairment. AUC-guided monitoring (area under the curve) is preferred over trough-only monitoring per current guidelines to optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity.

Question 6: A patient rates pain as 8/10. Which nursing action takes priority?

Apply a cold compress and wait for the physician
Administer prescribed analgesic and reassess in 30–60 minutes (Correct answer)
Notify the physician immediately without intervening
Document the pain score and continue routine care

Correct answer: Administer prescribed analgesic and reassess in 30–60 minutes

A pain score of 8/10 indicates severe pain requiring prompt intervention. The nurse should administer prescribed analgesia, then reassess effectiveness within 30–60 minutes per pain management standards.

Question 7: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi requirement for nurse competency in emergency response?

Only ICU nurses need emergency training
Only physicians respond to emergencies
All clinical nurses must maintain BLS certification, with unit-specific advanced certifications (ACLS, PALS) and regular emergency simulation drills (Correct answer)
Emergency training is completed once on hire

Correct answer: All clinical nurses must maintain BLS certification, with unit-specific advanced certifications (ACLS, PALS) and regular emergency simulation drills

DOH requires all clinical nurses to maintain current BLS certification, with additional certifications (ACLS, PALS, NRP) based on clinical area, plus participation in regular emergency simulation exercises and drills.

Question 8: Which cardiac rhythm requires immediate unsynchronised defibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
Ventricular fibrillation (Correct answer)
Third-degree (complete) heart block
Sustained ventricular tachycardia with a pulse

Correct answer: Ventricular fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation produces no cardiac output and is a shockable rhythm requiring immediate unsynchronised defibrillation.

Question 9: Which medication requires a test dose before the first full dose due to risk of anaphylaxis?

Oral folic acid
Oral ferrous sulfate
IM vitamin B12
IV iron dextran (Correct answer)

Correct answer: IV iron dextran

IV iron dextran (not iron sucrose or ferric carboxymaltose) carries a significant risk of anaphylaxis and requires a test dose of 25 mg over 5 minutes with monitoring for 30–60 minutes before the full therapeutic dose. Oral iron and other IV iron formulations have different risk profiles.

Question 10: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi standard for medication administration safety?

Eight Rights verification, independent double-check for high-alert medications, barcode scanning, and right documentation of administration and response (Correct answer)
Follow the 5 Rights only
Medication safety is the pharmacist's responsibility only
Only check the patient's name

Correct answer: Eight Rights verification, independent double-check for high-alert medications, barcode scanning, and right documentation of administration and response

DOH extends medication safety beyond the basic 5 Rights to include right reason, right response monitoring, and right documentation, plus mandatory independent double-checks for high-alert medications and barcode verification.

Question 11: A patient on corticosteroid therapy requires surgery. What medication adjustment is required?

Discontinue corticosteroids 24 hours before surgery
No adjustment needed; the surgical team manages cortisol
Double the oral dose and continue as normal
Administer stress-dose corticosteroids (hydrocortisone) perioperatively to prevent adrenal crisis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Administer stress-dose corticosteroids (hydrocortisone) perioperatively to prevent adrenal crisis

Chronic corticosteroid use suppresses the HPA axis, impairing the body's ability to mount a cortisol stress response to surgery. Stress-dose steroids (hydrocortisone 50–100 mg IV every 6–8 hours) are required perioperatively to prevent adrenal crisis (hypotension, vomiting, shock).

Question 12: Which finding is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech (Correct answer)
Flat affect and social withdrawal
Avolition (lack of motivation)
Alogia (poverty of speech)

Correct answer: Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech

Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal function: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking/speech, and disorganized or catatonic behavior. Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia) represent loss of normal function.

Question 13: What wound care standards does DOH Abu Dhabi mandate for nursing practice?

Wound care is performed only by wound care specialists
Only clean wounds with saline
Evidence-based wound assessment, appropriate dressing selection based on wound characteristics, regular reassessment, and documentation of healing progress (Correct answer)
Use the same dressing for all wounds

Correct answer: Evidence-based wound assessment, appropriate dressing selection based on wound characteristics, regular reassessment, and documentation of healing progress

DOH wound care standards include comprehensive assessment (size, depth, tissue type, exudate), evidence-based dressing selection, regular reassessment intervals, healing progress documentation, and referral criteria.

Question 14: Which finding during a prenatal visit at 20 weeks indicates the fundal height is appropriate?

Fundal height measures 10 cm below the umbilicus
Fundal height is at the xiphoid process
Fundal height measures 28 cm above the symphysis
Fundal height measures 20 cm at the umbilicus (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fundal height measures 20 cm at the umbilicus

Between 20–36 weeks, fundal height (in cm) roughly equals gestational age (in weeks) ±2 cm — a useful clinical rule. At 20 weeks, the fundus should be at or near the umbilicus (approximately 20 cm). Discrepancies suggest growth restriction or multiple gestation.

Question 15: What does the 'patient fall risk assessment' score determine in a DOH-regulated hospital?

Staffing ratios on the unit
Whether to discharge the patient sooner
Level of fall prevention interventions required (bed alarm, non-slip footwear, call bell within reach, supervision) (Correct answer)
Eligibility for surgical intervention

Correct answer: Level of fall prevention interventions required (bed alarm, non-slip footwear, call bell within reach, supervision)

Validated fall risk tools (Morse Fall Scale, STRATIFY) categorize patients as low/medium/high risk. Higher risk scores trigger more intensive interventions: bed/chair alarms, frequent rounding, non-slip footwear, bed in lowest position, call bell accessible, and in some cases additional supervision.

Question 16: What research and evidence-based practice standards does DOH Abu Dhabi promote in nursing?

Only academic nurses conduct research
Research is not relevant to nursing practice
Participate in nursing research, implement evidence-based practice guidelines, contribute to quality improvement projects, and use research to inform clinical decisions (Correct answer)
Evidence-based practice is optional

Correct answer: Participate in nursing research, implement evidence-based practice guidelines, contribute to quality improvement projects, and use research to inform clinical decisions

DOH promotes nursing research participation, implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines, involvement in quality improvement initiatives, and the use of current research evidence to guide clinical decision-making.

Question 17: A high peak airway pressure alarm sounds on a mechanically ventilated patient. What should the nurse do FIRST?

Increase the FiO2 setting
Call the physician immediately
Administer a bronchodilator via the ventilator circuit
Check the ventilator circuit for kinks or obstruction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check the ventilator circuit for kinks or obstruction

Kinked or obstructed tubing is the most common, easily correctable cause of high peak airway pressure and should be ruled out first.

Question 18: In the ABCDE primary trauma survey, what does 'D' assess?

Drug administration history
Disability — neurological status using GCS and pupils (Correct answer)
Decontamination of hazardous materials
Dressings and wound care

Correct answer: Disability — neurological status using GCS and pupils

'D' in the primary survey stands for Disability, assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil size/reactivity, and limb movement.

Question 19: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi policy on nurse-led clinics and extended roles?

Only physicians can lead clinics
Nurse-led clinics are prohibited
Nurses with advanced qualifications and specific DOH authorization may lead specialized clinics such as wound care, diabetes management, and vaccination services (Correct answer)
All nurses can lead clinics without additional qualifications

Correct answer: Nurses with advanced qualifications and specific DOH authorization may lead specialized clinics such as wound care, diabetes management, and vaccination services

DOH supports nurse-led clinics for qualified and authorized nurses in specialized areas like chronic disease management, wound care, and immunization, with defined protocols and physician oversight arrangements.

Question 20: Which nursing intervention is MOST effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

Changing ventilator circuits every 24 hours
Routine prophylactic systemic antibiotics
Daily sedation vacation combined with oral care using chlorhexidine (Correct answer)
Maintaining the patient in a flat supine position

Correct answer: Daily sedation vacation combined with oral care using chlorhexidine

Daily sedation vacation reduces ventilator days and oral chlorhexidine reduces oropharyngeal colonisation; together they are the most evidence-based VAP prevention bundle components.

Question 21: An ICU patient has a central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mmHg and a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 52 mmHg. What does this most likely indicate?

Hypovolaemia requiring fluid resuscitation (Correct answer)
Cardiac tamponade
Right heart failure
Fluid overload

Correct answer: Hypovolaemia requiring fluid resuscitation

Low CVP combined with low MAP indicates insufficient circulating volume, pointing to hypovolaemia that requires prompt fluid resuscitation.

Question 22: Which assessment finding in a neonate at 10 minutes of life requires immediate resuscitation?

Apgar score of 7 with peripheral cyanosis (acrocyanosis) only
Respiratory rate of 45 breaths per minute
Heart rate of 145 beats per minute
Apgar score of 3 with persistent central cyanosis and poor muscle tone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apgar score of 3 with persistent central cyanosis and poor muscle tone

An APGAR score of 3 indicates severe neonatal depression (central cyanosis, bradycardia, absent or weak breathing, limp tone). Immediate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation and further interventions per NRP guidelines are required. Score of 7+ is reassuring.

Question 23: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi standard for safe patient handling and mobility?

Manual lifting is acceptable for all patients
Patient handling does not require assessment
Risk assessment for all patient handling tasks, use of mechanical aids when indicated, safe patient handling policies, and staff training in ergonomics (Correct answer)
Only use mechanical lifts for bariatric patients

Correct answer: Risk assessment for all patient handling tasks, use of mechanical aids when indicated, safe patient handling policies, and staff training in ergonomics

DOH mandates safe patient handling programs including risk assessment for every handling task, mechanical aids for high-risk transfers, comprehensive policies, and regular staff training in ergonomic techniques.

Question 24: A child is brought in with a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever. What condition is most likely?

Foreign body aspiration
Epiglottitis
Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) (Correct answer)
Asthma exacerbation

Correct answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup (viral laryngotracheobronchitis) classically presents with the 'seal bark' cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever in children aged 6 months–3 years, typically caused by parainfluenza virus. Epiglottitis presents with high fever, drooling, and tripod posture.

Question 25: What is the normal duration of a full-term pregnancy?

36–38 weeks only
32–36 weeks
38–42 weeks (280 days from LMP) (Correct answer)
44–48 weeks

Correct answer: 38–42 weeks (280 days from LMP)

Full-term pregnancy is defined as 38–42 weeks gestation (280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period). The estimated due date is calculated by Naegele's rule: LMP + 1 year − 3 months + 7 days. Deliveries at 37–38+6 weeks are 'early term.'

Question 26: A nurse implements a 'no-suicide contract' with a patient. What is the most important limitation of this approach?

They are universally effective and replace the need for constant observation
They work best when signed without therapeutic discussion
Research shows no-suicide contracts do not reliably prevent suicide and should not replace a comprehensive safety plan (Correct answer)
They are legally binding documents that protect the hospital from liability

Correct answer: Research shows no-suicide contracts do not reliably prevent suicide and should not replace a comprehensive safety plan

No-suicide contracts lack evidence of effectiveness. Patients in crisis may sign contracts to avoid hospitalization or closer monitoring. Evidence-based practice favors collaborative safety planning (Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention), which identifies warning signs, coping strategies, and resources.

Question 27: A nurse accidentally administers the wrong medication. What is the first priority action?

Inform the charge nurse without assessing the patient
Wait to see if any symptoms develop before reporting
Assess the patient for adverse reactions and notify the physician (Correct answer)
Document the error in the chart before doing anything else

Correct answer: Assess the patient for adverse reactions and notify the physician

Patient safety is the first priority. The nurse must immediately assess the patient for harm, notify the physician for orders if needed, and then follow facility incident reporting procedures. Documentation follows patient stabilization.

Question 28: Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate for a patient with raised intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Administer hypotonic IV fluids to dilute cerebral oedema
Encourage vigorous coughing to clear airway secretions
Elevate the head of bed to 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
Position the patient flat to maximise cerebral blood flow

Correct answer: Elevate the head of bed to 30–45 degrees

Elevating the head of bed 30–45 degrees promotes venous drainage from the cranial vault, thereby reducing ICP.

Question 29: What suicide risk assessment does DOH Abu Dhabi require nurses to perform?

Structured risk assessment using validated tools, safety planning, environmental safety measures, continuous observation when indicated, and interdisciplinary referral (Correct answer)
Only ask if the patient feels sad
Suicide risk assessment is only for psychiatrists
Suicide assessment is not performed in Abu Dhabi

Correct answer: Structured risk assessment using validated tools, safety planning, environmental safety measures, continuous observation when indicated, and interdisciplinary referral

DOH requires structured suicide risk assessment using validated screening tools, development of safety plans, implementation of environmental precautions, continuous observation for high-risk patients, and immediate psychiatric referral.

Question 30: What is the 'universal protocol' for preventing wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient surgery?

Anesthesiologist verification only
Pre-procedure verification, site marking by the surgeon, and time-out before incision (Correct answer)
Radiological confirmation of the surgical site only
Pre-operative consent only

Correct answer: Pre-procedure verification, site marking by the surgeon, and time-out before incision

The Universal Protocol (JCI/WHO) consists of three components: (1) Pre-procedure verification checklist, (2) Site marking with indelible marker by the operating surgeon while the patient is awake, and (3) Time-out immediately before incision with all team members actively participating.

DOH Nursing Practice Test (Abu Dhabi)

The Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi nursing licensure exam is a computer-based Prometric/Pearson VUE test that evaluates the clinical competence, professional standards, and patient safety knowledge required to practice nursing in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

150

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

doh.gov.ae — Eligibility, fees, passing score, registration deadline, renewal, retake policy, time limit, score validity · verified Oct 2026
pearsonvue.com — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026