DHA Assistant Nurse exam questions

6 worked Assistant Nurse practice questions

Original exam-style questions from the bank, spread across the blueprint domains. They are not real or recalled exam questions. Try each one, then open the answer for the rationale and reference. None of them appear in the free mock exam, so reading them will not spoil it.

1. Question 1 · Basic life support and emergencies

   An adult patient is choking on food. She cannot speak or cough effectively but is still conscious. What should you do?

   1. AUp to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts
   2. BGive her a glass of water to wash the food down
   3. CLay her flat and start chest compressions at once
   4. DWait and encourage her to cough it out herself
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts

   Severe airway obstruction in a conscious adult is treated with up to five back blows followed by up to five abdominal thrusts, repeated as needed. Chest compressions start only if she becomes unresponsive.

   Reference: European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021

2. Question 2 · Communication, ethics and professional conduct

   A caller says she is the patient's daughter and asks about his diagnosis. What should you do?

   1. ATell her the diagnosis, as she is a family member
   2. BRead the medical notes to her so she is reassured
   3. CPass the call to the nurse in charge, share nothing
   4. DGive her the doctor's personal mobile phone number
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Pass the call to the nurse in charge, share nothing

   Patient information is confidential and should only be shared with the patient's consent by an authorised person after identity is checked. The assistant nurse should pass the call to the nurse in charge.

   Reference: Potter and Perry's Fundamentals of Nursing, 11th ed.

3. Question 3 · Fundamentals of nursing care and daily living

   While giving a bed bath, you clean the patient's eyes. What is the correct technique?

   1. AWipe from the inner corner to the outer corner
   2. BWipe from the outer corner to the inner corner
   3. CUse the same cloth area for both eyes
   4. DUse soap and rub firmly across the lid
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner

   Eyes are cleaned from the inner to the outer canthus with water, using a clean area of cloth for each eye, to avoid carrying debris into the tear duct and spreading infection. Soap irritates the eyes.

   Reference: Potter and Perry's Fundamentals of Nursing, 11th ed.

4. Question 4 · Infection prevention and control

   A patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted. Which precautions are needed when you enter the room?

   1. ASurgical mask; patient nursed in a shared bay
   2. BGloves only, as TB is spread by direct touch
   3. CFit-tested N95 respirator; negative pressure room
   4. DNo precautions until the test result is back
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Fit-tested N95 respirator; negative pressure room

   Tuberculosis spreads by airborne droplet nuclei, so staff wear a fit-tested respirator and the patient is placed in a negative pressure single room where available. Surgical masks do not protect the wearer against airborne particles.

   Reference: CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions 2007

5. Question 5 · Nutrition, hydration and elimination

   Over 8 hours a patient drinks 3 cups of 200 mL and receives 1000 mL of intravenous fluid. She passes 1200 mL of urine and vomits 150 mL. What is her fluid balance?

   1. APositive 250 mL
   2. BNegative 250 mL
   3. CPositive 450 mL
   4. DNegative 550 mL
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Positive 250 mL

   Intake is 600 + 1000 = 1600 mL and output is 1200 + 150 = 1350 mL, so the balance is 1600 - 1350 = +250 mL. Forgetting to count vomit as output gives +400 mL.

   Reference: Potter and Perry's Fundamentals of Nursing, 11th ed.

6. Question 6 · Patient safety: falls, pressure injuries and safe handling

   A heavy, dependent patient has slid down the bed. What is the safest way to move him up?

   1. AOne staff member pulling under his arms
   2. BTwo staff using a slide sheet
   3. CTwo staff lifting under his armpits
   4. DAsking him to push with his heels alone
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Two staff using a slide sheet

   A slide sheet with two trained staff reduces friction and shear and protects both patient and staff. Lifting under the arms can injure the shoulders and causes skin shear.

   Reference: The Guide to the Handling of People: A Systems Approach, 6th ed.