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

Question 1: What is the most appropriate nursing response when a toddler's parent asks to stay during a painful procedure?

Insist parents leave for all invasive procedures to maintain sterility
Allow the parent to stay if they wish; presence reduces child anxiety (Correct answer)
Allow parents to stay only during non-painful procedures
Ask the parent to leave to avoid emotional interference

Correct answer: Allow the parent to stay if they wish; presence reduces child anxiety

Family-centered care supports parental presence during procedures. Research shows parental presence reduces anxiety and distress in young children. Parents should be given the option and prepared for what they will see. Sterility concerns relate to technique, not visitor presence.

Question 2: What is the first action when a nurse discovers a child has aspirated a small object and is now silent and cyanotic?

Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Perform 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts (for child under 1 year) or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) for child over 1 year (Correct answer)
Perform a blind finger sweep
Call the physician and wait

Correct answer: Perform 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts (for child under 1 year) or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) for child over 1 year

A silent, cyanotic child has a complete airway obstruction. For infants <1 year: 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts. For children >1 year: abdominal thrusts (Heimlich). Blind finger sweeps are contraindicated as they may push the object further.

Question 3: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi protocol for pediatric medication safety?

No special considerations for pediatric medications
Estimate doses based on age
Weight-based dosing calculations, independent double-check by two nurses, use of appropriate measuring devices, and age-appropriate formulations (Correct answer)
Use adult dosing guidelines

Correct answer: Weight-based dosing calculations, independent double-check by two nurses, use of appropriate measuring devices, and age-appropriate formulations

DOH pediatric medication safety requires weight-based dose calculation (mg/kg), mandatory independent double-check, use of oral syringes (not household spoons), and selection of age-appropriate formulations.

Question 4: A patient prescribed atorvastatin reports muscle pain and weakness. Which serious complication must be assessed for?

Rhabdomyolysis — check creatine kinase (CK) level immediately (Correct answer)
Normal statin myalgia requiring reassurance only
Vitamin D deficiency causing the same symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy requiring a nerve conduction study

Correct answer: Rhabdomyolysis — check creatine kinase (CK) level immediately

Statins can cause myopathy ranging from mild myalgia to life-threatening rhabdomyolysis (muscle cell breakdown causing myoglobinuria and renal failure). A markedly elevated CK (>10× upper limit of normal with symptoms) confirms rhabdomyolysis. Stop statin immediately if suspected.

Question 5: Which finding is a classic sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremity?

Generalized leg muscle cramping after exercise
Unilateral calf pain, warmth, redness, and swelling (Correct answer)
Bilateral pitting edema in both ankles
Cold, pale, pulseless leg

Correct answer: Unilateral calf pain, warmth, redness, and swelling

DVT classically presents with unilateral signs because the clot forms in one leg's vein. The triad of pain, warmth, and swelling results from venous obstruction and inflammation. Homan's sign is unreliable; Doppler ultrasound confirms diagnosis.

Question 6: What is the recommended hand hygiene compliance monitoring approach in DOH-accredited Abu Dhabi facilities?

Annual compliance survey
Hand hygiene is only monitored during accreditation visits
Self-reporting by nurses only
Regular covert observation by trained auditors with feedback and public display of compliance rates (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Regular covert observation by trained auditors with feedback and public display of compliance rates

Evidence-based hand hygiene programs (WHO's SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands) require continuous covert observation-based auditing by trained monitors, real-time feedback to staff, and display of compliance data to drive improvement. Compliance monitoring is year-round, not only during accreditation.

Question 7: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi standard for patient assessment on admission?

Only record vital signs
Only complete the admission form
Assessment is performed by physicians only
Comprehensive assessment including physical examination, medical history, medication reconciliation, fall risk, nutritional screening, and psychosocial assessment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Comprehensive assessment including physical examination, medical history, medication reconciliation, fall risk, nutritional screening, and psychosocial assessment

DOH requires comprehensive nursing admission assessment covering physical examination, complete medical and surgical history, current medication reconciliation, fall risk, nutritional screening, pain assessment, and psychosocial evaluation.

Question 8: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi nursing protocol for blood transfusion management?

Blood transfusion monitoring is the physician's responsibility
Only check the blood bag label
Two-nurse verification of patient identity and blood product, vital sign monitoring at specified intervals, and immediate action for transfusion reactions (Correct answer)
No specific protocol exists

Correct answer: Two-nurse verification of patient identity and blood product, vital sign monitoring at specified intervals, and immediate action for transfusion reactions

DOH requires two-nurse bedside verification of patient identity against the blood product, vital sign monitoring at baseline, 15 minutes, and regular intervals, with immediate protocols for managing transfusion reactions.

Question 9: What wound care standards does DOH Abu Dhabi mandate for nursing practice?

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

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

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

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 11: What is the DOH Abu Dhabi requirement for nutritional assessment and management in nursing?

Only weigh patients on admission
Nutrition is only managed by dietitians
Nutritional assessment is not a nursing role
Screen all patients using validated tools on admission, refer at-risk patients to dietitian, monitor intake, and implement nutrition care plans (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Screen all patients using validated tools on admission, refer at-risk patients to dietitian, monitor intake, and implement nutrition care plans

DOH requires nutritional screening using validated tools (e.g., Malnutrition Screening Tool) on admission, referral of at-risk patients, intake monitoring, weight tracking, and implementation of individualized nutrition care plans.

Question 12: What suicide risk assessment does DOH Abu Dhabi require nurses to perform?

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

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 13: Which cardiac rhythm requires immediate unsynchronised defibrillation?

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

Correct answer: Ventricular fibrillation

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

Question 14: A patient with depression is started on an SSRI. What is the most important safety teaching for the first 1–2 weeks?

SSRIs cause immediate mood elevation that lasts only 3 days
Sedation is the primary concern; do not drive
The medication works immediately and they will feel better within 48 hours
Energy and motivation may improve before mood does, increasing suicide risk — monitor closely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Energy and motivation may improve before mood does, increasing suicide risk — monitor closely

In the first 1–4 weeks of SSRI therapy, a dangerous window exists where psychomotor energy returns before mood elevation. A previously lethargic patient may now have the energy to act on suicidal ideation. Close monitoring, follow-up, and safety planning are critical.

Question 15: Which complication is of greatest concern when a child has a tracheostomy?

Accidental decannulation (tube dislodgement) (Correct answer)
Inability to eat normally
Difficulty with speech
Skin breakdown around the stoma

Correct answer: Accidental decannulation (tube dislodgement)

Accidental decannulation is life-threatening because the child cannot breathe without the tracheostomy tube (or cannot breathe adequately). A replacement tube of the same size and a size smaller must always be at the bedside. This is the highest-priority safety concern.

Question 16: A patient is prescribed subcutaneous enoxaparin (low molecular weight heparin). What technique is important for injection?

Always alternate between arm and abdomen injection sites
Inject into the deltoid muscle and rub vigorously to enhance absorption
Inject into the anterolateral or posterolateral abdominal wall, do not aspirate, do not rub the site (Correct answer)
Aspirate before injection to confirm correct placement

Correct answer: Inject into the anterolateral or posterolateral abdominal wall, do not aspirate, do not rub the site

Enoxaparin is given SC into the abdomen (alternating left and right sides, at least 2 inches from the umbilicus). Aspiration is not required for SC injection. Rubbing after injection increases bruising and hematoma formation. Inject the entire air bubble last to prevent solution tracking back.

Question 17: A woman with a prior cesarean section is being considered for vaginal birth (VBAC). Which is an absolute contraindication?

Prior classical (vertical) uterine incision (Correct answer)
Prior single low-transverse cesarean incision
Maternal request for VBAC after counseling
Gestational age of 39 weeks

Correct answer: Prior classical (vertical) uterine incision

A prior classical (vertical midline) uterine incision extends into the thick uterine fundus, which is under higher tension during labor, carrying a uterine rupture risk of 4–9% — unacceptably high for VBAC. Low-transverse incisions carry only ~0.5–1% rupture risk, making VBAC a reasonable option.

Question 18: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which action is the highest priority before starting?

Flush the IV line with dextrose solution
Run the transfusion at the fastest rate possible
Verify patient identity and blood product compatibility at the bedside with two nurses (Correct answer)
Administer antipyretics preemptively to all patients

Correct answer: Verify patient identity and blood product compatibility at the bedside with two nurses

Two-nurse verification of patient identity (using two identifiers) and blood product compatibility (ABO/Rh type, unit number, expiration) is mandatory before any transfusion to prevent potentially fatal hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Question 19: Which assessment finding in a neonate at 10 minutes of life requires immediate resuscitation?

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

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 20: A patient's SpO2 drops suddenly to 87% on room air. What is the nurse's immediate priority action?

Obtain an arterial blood gas sample
Administer a bronchodilator
Notify the physician
Apply supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apply supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask

Applying supplemental oxygen immediately corrects hypoxemia and prevents further deterioration of tissue oxygenation.

Question 21: What is the nurse's responsibility during a fire in an Abu Dhabi healthcare facility (RACE protocol)?

Run first, then Activate alarm, Call firefighters, Evacuate all staff
Report to management first, Assemble outside, Confirm all doors closed, Evaluate the situation
Rescue patients in immediate danger, Activate the alarm, Confine the fire by closing doors, Extinguish/Evacuate (Correct answer)
Remove equipment, Alert staff only, Call security, Exit the building

Correct answer: Rescue patients in immediate danger, Activate the alarm, Confine the fire by closing doors, Extinguish/Evacuate

The RACE protocol: R — Rescue (move patients in immediate danger), A — Activate alarm, C — Confine (close doors/windows to limit spread), E — Extinguish with fire extinguisher if safe, or Evacuate. The sequence prioritizes human life first.

Question 22: What research and evidence-based practice standards does DOH Abu Dhabi promote in nursing?

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

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 23: According to DOH Abu Dhabi, which category of patients must have a documented 'Do Not Attempt Resuscitation' (DNAR) order to prevent CPR?

All patients over age 75 years
Any patient who requests it verbally without physician documentation
Patients where CPR is medically futile or where the patient has made an informed refusal, documented with physician order (Correct answer)
All patients admitted to the ICU

Correct answer: Patients where CPR is medically futile or where the patient has made an informed refusal, documented with physician order

DNAR orders in Abu Dhabi (as per DOH policy and Islamic bioethical principles) require physician documentation, informed patient/family consent where appropriate, and must be reviewed regularly. Verbal requests alone are insufficient; a written physician order must be present for CPR to be withheld legally.

Question 24: A mechanically ventilated patient with COPD exacerbation has the following ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L. What acid-base disturbance is present?

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
Mixed metabolic and respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation (Correct answer)
Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation

Correct answer: Respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation

Low pH with elevated PaCO2 defines respiratory acidosis; the elevated bicarbonate reflects partial renal (metabolic) compensation occurring over time.

Question 25: A newborn is born with a myelomeningocele. What is the immediate priority nursing intervention?

Cover the sac with a sterile, moist, saline dressing and position prone (Correct answer)
Apply dry gauze and place in an open crib
Surgically repair the defect immediately at the bedside
Reposition supine and start IV antibiotics without covering the sac

Correct answer: Cover the sac with a sterile, moist, saline dressing and position prone

A myelomeningocele (open spinal defect) must be covered immediately with sterile, moist, non-adherent saline-soaked dressings to prevent infection and drying of neural tissue. The infant is positioned prone to avoid pressure on the sac. Surgical repair within 24–72 hours is planned.

Question 26: A patient with asthma is prescribed a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). What is the correct order of inhalation?

Both simultaneously using a spacer
ICS first, then SABA after 5 minutes
ICS only; SABA is not recommended with corticosteroids
SABA first to bronchodilate, then ICS for inflammation control (Correct answer)

Correct answer: SABA first to bronchodilate, then ICS for inflammation control

SABA (e.g., salbutamol) is inhaled first because it bronchodilates the airways within minutes, allowing the subsequently inhaled ICS (e.g., budesonide) to penetrate deeper into the bronchial tree for better therapeutic effect.

Question 27: What chronic disease management role does DOH Abu Dhabi assign to nurses?

Chronic disease management does not involve nurses
Chronic disease management is physician-only
Patient education, self-management support, medication adherence monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and coordination of multidisciplinary care (Correct answer)
Only check vital signs at follow-up visits

Correct answer: Patient education, self-management support, medication adherence monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and coordination of multidisciplinary care

DOH assigns nurses significant roles in chronic disease management including patient education, supporting self-management skills, monitoring medication adherence, lifestyle counseling, and coordinating care across disciplines.

Question 28: Which color-coded wristband system is standardized for patient safety in Abu Dhabi DOH-regulated facilities?

No standardized color coding exists in Abu Dhabi
Blue = allergy, red = DNAR, green = fall risk
Red = allergy, yellow = fall risk, purple = DNAR (Correct answer)
White = allergy, orange = fall risk, black = DNAR

Correct answer: Red = allergy, yellow = fall risk, purple = DNAR

DOH Abu Dhabi adopted standardized color-coded wristbands: Red for allergy, Yellow for fall risk, Purple (or Pink) for DNAR. This standardization aligns with international patient safety initiatives to reduce errors when patients transfer between units or facilities.

Question 29: A postpartum patient develops a fever of 38.5°C on day 3. Uterine tenderness is present on palpation. What is the likely diagnosis?

Endometritis (uterine infection) (Correct answer)
Normal postpartum fever
Mastitis from breastfeeding
Urinary tract infection

Correct answer: Endometritis (uterine infection)

Puerperal fever (>38°C after 24 hours postpartum and within 10 days) with uterine tenderness suggests endometritis — infection of the uterine lining. Risk factors include prolonged labor, PROM, multiple vaginal examinations, and cesarean delivery. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are required.

Question 30: A patient develops sudden stridor immediately after endotracheal tube extubation. What is the nurse's priority action?

Encourage the patient to cough and take deep breaths
Reposition the patient to a prone position
Apply high-flow oxygen and notify the physician immediately (Correct answer)
Administer an oral antihistamine for suspected allergy

Correct answer: Apply high-flow oxygen and notify the physician immediately

Post-extubation stridor signals upper airway obstruction; applying oxygen and immediately alerting the physician is the priority while preparing for potential reintubation.

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.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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