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Qatar DHP 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 Qatar DHP (QCHP) nursing qualifying 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 Qatar DHP neurological nursing questions
1. Why must antiepileptic medications not be stopped suddenly?
- A. Abrupt withdrawal can trigger seizures including status epilepticus
- B. They will cause immediate hypoglycaemia
- C. It will cause permanent liver damage
- D. The body will develop an allergy
Show answer and rationale
Sudden withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs can provoke rebound seizures, including status epilepticus; doses are tapered under medical supervision.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – antiepileptics
2. A patient takes phenytoin for seizures. Which teaching point is most important?
- A. Take extra doses if a seizure seems likely
- B. Avoid all dairy products completely
- C. Maintain good oral hygiene because gum overgrowth can occur
- D. Stop the drug once seizures have not occurred for a week
Show answer and rationale
Phenytoin commonly causes gingival hyperplasia, so regular brushing, flossing and dental care are needed; antiepileptics must never be stopped abruptly.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – phenytoin
3. Mannitol is prescribed for a patient with cerebral oedema. Which assessment is most important during therapy?
- A. Blood glucose every hour
- B. Fluid balance and serum electrolytes and osmolality
- C. Deep tendon reflexes
- D. Serum amylase level
Show answer and rationale
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that draws fluid from brain tissue; it can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, so intake and output, electrolytes and osmolality are monitored.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – mannitol
4. A patient with Parkinson's disease has a shuffling gait. Which safety teaching is most appropriate?
- A. Walk quickly to avoid freezing
- B. Wear soft backless slippers at home
- C. Keep the eyes looking down at the feet while walking
- D. Remove loose rugs and consciously take large steps, lifting the feet
Show answer and rationale
Falls are a major risk; removing trip hazards, wearing supportive footwear, and focusing on lifting the feet and taking larger steps improve safety.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – Parkinson's disease
5. A nurse witnesses a patient having a generalised tonic-clonic seizure in bed. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Stay with the patient, protect the head and move nearby objects away
- B. Insert an oral airway between the teeth
- C. Give oral fluids to prevent dehydration
- D. Restrain the arms and legs to prevent injury
Show answer and rationale
During a seizure the nurse protects the patient from injury and stays with them; nothing is put in the mouth and the patient is never restrained.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – seizures
Study tip
A falling GCS or new pupil change is almost always the finding to report first.
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