DHA Unani Practitioner exam questions

6 worked Unani Practitioner 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 · Diagnosis and recognition of red flags

   A 40-year-old has a cough for 5 weeks, night sweats and weight loss. What is the appropriate action?

   1. ATreat with a Laooq and review in 2 months
   2. BAdvise dry cupping on the chest only
   3. CRefer for medical evaluation and TB testing
   4. DReassure him it reflects a cold temperament
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Refer for medical evaluation and TB testing

   Chronic cough with night sweats and weight loss are red flags for tuberculosis or malignancy and need medical investigation. Delayed diagnosis of TB also risks spread to others.

   Reference: WHO Consolidated Guidelines on Tuberculosis: Module 2 Screening

2. Question 2 · Foundations of Unani medicine

   What are the qualities of Safra (yellow bile) in Unani medicine?

   1. ACold and moist
   2. BHot and moist
   3. CHot and dry
   4. DCold and dry
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Hot and dry

   Safra is hot and dry. Dam (blood) is hot and moist, Balgham (phlegm) is cold and moist and Sauda (black bile) is cold and dry.

   Reference: Ibn Sina, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine)

3. Question 3 · Foundations of Unani medicine

   Which humour is described as cold and dry?

   1. ADam
   2. BBalgham
   3. CSafra
   4. DSauda
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Sauda

   Sauda (black bile) is cold and dry. Balgham is cold and moist, so it shares coldness but not dryness.

   Reference: Ibn Sina, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine)

4. Question 4 · Ilaj bit Tadbeer: regimental therapy

   During wet cupping, a seated patient becomes pale, sweaty and dizzy and then briefly loses consciousness. What should you do first?

   1. AContinue, as this shows toxins are leaving
   2. BStop, remove the cups, lay him flat and raise his legs
   3. CSit him upright and give a hot drink
   4. DApply more cups to stimulate him
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Stop, remove the cups, lay him flat and raise his legs

   This is likely a vasovagal faint; the procedure should stop, the patient be laid flat with legs raised, and his airway, breathing and pulse monitored, calling for help if he does not recover quickly. Continuing the procedure is unsafe.

   Reference: St John Ambulance, St Andrew's and British Red Cross First Aid Manual

5. Question 5 · Ilmul Advia: Unani pharmacology

   Kuchla (Strychnos nux-vomica) must undergo Tadbeer before use. Why?

   1. AIt contains strychnine, which is highly toxic
   2. BIt loses all activity without heating
   3. CIt is too bitter to swallow
   4. DIt spoils quickly at room temperature
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. It contains strychnine, which is highly toxic

   Kuchla contains strychnine and brucine, which cause convulsions and death in excess, so it is detoxified (Mudabbar) and given in small doses. Taste and shelf life are not the main reasons.

   Reference: Unani Pharmacopoeia of India

6. Question 6 · Ilmul Saidla: Unani pharmacy

   What are the main ingredients that define an Itrifal preparation?

   1. AOpium, saffron and ambergris in honey
   2. BCalcined metals and minerals in syrup
   3. CThe myrobalans: Halela, Balela and Amla
   4. DRose petals mixed with sugar alone
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. The myrobalans: Halela, Balela and Amla

   Itrifal preparations are based on the three myrobalans (Halela, Balela and Amla) in a honey or sugar base. Rose petals and sugar make Gulqand.

   Reference: National Formulary of Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH