Home › DHA exam › Neurological Nursing
DHA Neurological Nursing Practice Questions
Neurological questions test neuro observations and recognising emergencies such as stroke, raised intracranial pressure and seizures. Below are 5 free sample questions for the DHA Registered Nurse exam, each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Glasgow Coma Scale and pupil checks
- Stroke recognition and swallow screening
- Raised ICP and Cushing's triad
- Seizure safety and status epilepticus
- Spinal cord injury and autonomic dysreflexia
- Meningitis and Guillain-Barré
The full bank has 80 neurological nursing questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free DHA neurological nursing questions
1. A patient with multiple sclerosis notices that symptoms worsen after a hot bath. What should the nurse teach?
- A. Increase the water temperature gradually to build tolerance
- B. Heat has no effect on MS symptoms
- C. Avoid heat exposure, such as hot baths and saunas, as heat can worsen symptoms
- D. Take hot baths daily to relax the muscles
Show answer and rationale
Heat slows nerve conduction in demyelinated fibres and can temporarily worsen MS symptoms (Uhthoff's phenomenon); cooler temperatures are advised.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – multiple sclerosis
2. Which assessment is most important for a patient with rapidly progressing Guillain-Barré syndrome?
- A. Blood glucose every two hours
- B. Skin turgor
- C. Respiratory function, such as vital capacity and ability to cough
- D. Visual acuity
Show answer and rationale
Ascending weakness can involve the respiratory muscles; declining vital capacity indicates impending respiratory failure requiring ventilation.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – Guillain-Barré syndrome
3. A patient with trigeminal neuralgia asks how to reduce attacks of facial pain. Which advice is most appropriate?
- A. Chew on the unaffected side and avoid very hot or cold food and drink
- B. Massage the painful side of the face firmly each day
- C. Brush the teeth vigorously on the affected side
- D. Apply ice packs directly to the painful area
Show answer and rationale
Attacks are triggered by light touch, chewing, temperature extremes and draughts on the affected side, so avoiding these triggers reduces pain. Firm massage, vigorous brushing and ice on the face can all set off attacks.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – trigeminal neuralgia
4. Which nursing action should be avoided in a patient with raised intracranial pressure?
- A. Keeping the head in a neutral alignment
- B. Maintaining a calm, quiet environment
- C. Clustering suctioning, turning and bathing together in one session
- D. Preventing constipation with stool softeners
Show answer and rationale
Clustering several stimulating activities causes cumulative rises in ICP, so care should be spaced with rest periods; straining is also avoided by preventing constipation.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – increased intracranial pressure
5. A patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome now has a weak voice, shallow breathing, and a falling vital capacity. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Encourage the patient to sleep to reduce fatigue
- B. Notify the doctor urgently and prepare for possible intubation
- C. Document the findings and reassess in four hours
- D. Increase the oral fluid intake
Show answer and rationale
These findings indicate respiratory muscle involvement and impending respiratory failure, requiring urgent review and airway support.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – Guillain-Barré syndrome
Study tip
A falling GCS or new pupil change is almost always the finding to report first.
Practise the full DHA bank
Unlock all 1,500 questions, practice by topic, and unlimited timed 100-question mock tests in the DHA format (150 minutes, 65% practice pass mark). One-time $19.
More DHA practice topics
DHA exam guide: format, booking and study plan →