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Diplôme d'État de Sage-Femme / Accoucheuse — Jury National DESS (DR Congo)

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Exam

3 modes

The Jury National assesses candidates in writing, orally, and practically before awarding the diploma

Ministère de la Santé Publique / DESS provincial launch communiqués

4 years

Duration of the secondary technical healthcare nursing program in ITM/IEM

DESS National Curriculum Framework

Professional qualification level awarded upon passing the Jury National

Ministère de la Santé Publique provincial launch statements

ONIC

Ordre National des Infirmiers de la RDC, the statutory licensing body

Loi n° 16/015 du 15 juillet 2016

141 pools

Pools de passation used nationwide for the 2022-2023 Jury National sitting, which drew 13,046 candidates from 617 ITM and IEM schools

DESS (6ème Direction), June 2023 press briefing

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the DR Congo Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier (Jury National DESS). The official examination is a single French-language national sitting run by the Ministère de la Santé Publique in provincial pools, combining written, oral and practical assessment over about four days, and awarding the Infirmier A2 state diploma.

Sample Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A nurse at a Centre de Santé has no oral or rectal thermometer available and records an adult patient's temperature in the axilla. How should that reading be interpreted relative to the patient's core temperature?

A.The axillary reading matches core temperature, so no adjustment or interpretation is needed

B.The axillary reading is lower than core temperature — roughly 0.3 to 0.6°C below an oral reading and lower still than a rectal reading — so a borderline value may hide a fever

C.The axillary reading is higher than a rectal reading, so a normal axillary value rules out fever

D.The axillary reading is higher than an oral reading, so an apparently normal value should be treated as a fever

Explanation: The axilla is a peripheral site cooled by ambient air, sweating, and imperfect probe contact, so it reads below the body core: axillary is roughly 0.3 to 0.6°C below oral, and further below rectal. The nurse must therefore read a borderline axillary value as an underestimate, hold the probe in a dry, fully closed axilla for the whole measurement time, always record the route used, and confirm by a more central route before ruling out fever.

2When administering an intramuscular (IM) injection in the ventrogluteal site of an adult, at what angle relative to the skin surface should the needle be inserted?

A.15 degrees

B.45 degrees

C.90 degrees

D.60 degrees

Explanation: Intramuscular injections are administered at a 90-degree angle to penetrate the subcutaneous tissue and ensure the medication reaches deep muscular tissue. The ventrogluteal site, situated on the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, is the preferred IM site in adults due to the absence of major nerves and large blood vessels.

3Which standard autoclave parameters (temperature, pressure, and minimum exposure time) are officially recommended for the moist-heat sterilization of wrapped surgical instruments?

A.100°C at 0.5 bar for 60 minutes

B.121°C at 1.05 bar (15 psi) for 15 to 20 minutes

C.160°C at 2.0 bar for 10 minutes

D.180°C at atmospheric pressure for 30 minutes

Explanation: Saturated steam under pressure in an autoclave requires a temperature of 121°C (250°F) at a pressure of approximately 1.05 bar (15 psi above atmospheric pressure) for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to achieve complete microbial sterilization, including the destruction of bacterial endospores (such as Bacillus stearothermophilus).

4According to the World Health Organization (WHO), what are the '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' in clinical healthcare practice?

A.Before starting a shift, after meals, before medication rounds, after toilet use, and before leaving the hospital

B.Before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings

C.Before entering the ward, before patient assessment, after clinical documentation, after cleaning equipment, and after handovers

D.Before morning report, after ward rounds, before sterile glove application, after waste disposal, and before wound dressing

Explanation: The WHO 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' framework defines the crucial points for hand hygiene: (1) before touching a patient, (2) before clean/aseptic procedures, (3) after body fluid exposure risk, (4) after touching a patient, and (5) after touching patient surroundings.

5A bedridden patient in a medical ward has a localized area of non-blanchable erythema over the sacrum with intact skin. Under the international pressure injury staging system, what stage is this pressure ulcer?

A.Stage 1

B.Stage 2

C.Stage 3

D.Stage 4

Explanation: A Stage 1 pressure injury is characterized by intact skin with localized non-blanchable erythema (redness that does not turn pale when pressed). The area may also be painful, firm, soft, warmer, or cooler compared to adjacent tissue. Because the skin is unbroken, no tissue loss has yet occurred.

6To effectively prevent pressure ulcer formation in an immobile, bedridden patient, what is the maximum recommended interval for repositioning the patient?

A.Every 30 minutes

B.Every 2 hours

C.Every 6 hours

D.Every 12 hours

Explanation: Standard clinical guidelines recommend repositioning bedridden patients at least every 2 hours (and every 15 minutes to 1 hour if seated in a chair). Alternating between supine, left 30-degree lateral, and right 30-degree lateral positions relieves sustained capillary occlusion over bony prominences.

7Which bedside nursing test is performed before attempting radial artery puncture or cannulation to verify adequate collateral circulation from the ulnar artery?

A.Trousseau's test

B.Allen's test

C.Homans' test

D.Romberg's test

Explanation: The modified Allen test assesses collateral blood flow to the hand through the ulnar artery. Both the radial and ulnar arteries are occluded while the patient clenches their fist; when the hand blanches, ulnar pressure is released. Normal color return within 5 to 7 seconds confirms adequate ulnar collateral perfusion.

8What is the primary nursing action when an unconscious patient who is breathing spontaneously begins vomiting?

A.Place the patient in Trendelenburg position and administer oral fluids

B.Immediately turn the patient into the lateral recovery position (position latérale de sécurité - PLS) and suction the oral cavity

C.Place the patient in High-Fowler position and insert a rigid tongue depressor

D.Apply abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) and start chest compressions

Explanation: Turning the patient into the lateral recovery position (PLS) allows gravity to drain vomitus and oral secretions out of the mouth, preventing acute aspiration of gastric contents into the tracheobronchial tree. Immediate gentle oral suctioning clears residual airway obstructions.

9What is the five-step sequential cycle of the professional nursing care process (démarche de soins infirmiers)?

A.Prescription, Administration, Surveillance, Discharge, Billing

B.Assessment (Collecte des données), Diagnosis (Diagnostic infirmier), Planning (Planification), Implementation (Exécution/Interventions), Evaluation (Évaluation)

C.Admission, Medical consultation, Medication distribution, Wound dressing, Triage

D.Vital signs, Blood sampling, Intravenous therapy, Patient education, Transfer

Explanation: The systematic nursing process consists of five continuous and interrelated steps: (1) Assessment/Data collection, (2) Nursing Diagnosis (identifying patient human responses/problems), (3) Planning (setting SMART goals and nursing orders), (4) Implementation/Interventions, and (5) Evaluation of patient outcomes against the goals.

10Which bedside clinical check is mandatory immediately prior to administering a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion to verify patient-donor immunological compatibility?

A.Bedside glucose check with a glucometer

B.Bedside ABO compatibility verification (Ultimate ABO test / Épreuve ultime au lit du malade - Beth-Vincent test on card)

C.Urine specific gravity measurement

D.Capillary refill time assessment on all four limbs

Explanation: The ultimate bedside compatibility check (épreuve de compatibilité au lit du malade / Beth-Vincent test) verifies ABO identity by directly testing both patient blood and unit blood with anti-A and anti-B serums on a control card immediately before transfusion. This prevents catastrophic acute hemolytic transfusion reactions due to clerical or labeling errors.

About the Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Exam

The Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier (Infirmier A2) is the official certifying qualification for secondary technical nursing graduates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Administered nationwide by the Ministère de la Santé Publique through the Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS / 6ème Direction), the Jury National certifies that candidates from Instituts Techniques Médicaux (ITM) and Instituts d'Enseignement Médical (IEM) have mastered essential clinical nursing procedures, tropical medical pathology, primary health care (SSP), pediatric care, and professional ethics. Passing the examination confers the legal right to practice nursing and register with the Ordre National des Infirmiers de la RDC (ONIC).

Assessment

Three assessment modes over roughly four days per pool: épreuves écrites (written subject papers covering sciences infirmières, médecine interne et chirurgie, santé communautaire, pédiatrie et puériculture, pharmacologie et déontologie), followed by épreuves orales, and closing with practical/clinical assessment including defence of the evaluation dossier (défense des dossiers d'évaluation).

Time Limit

Typically four consecutive days of épreuves certificatives per pool de passation

Passing Score

Not published by the DESS; results are deliberated by the Jury National and released per pool

Exam Fee

No national fee is published; participation costs are set locally by provincial health divisions (Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention — Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS))

Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Exam Content Outline

Study emphasis ~33%

Fundamental Nursing Care & Clinical Procedures (Soins Infirmiers Fondamentaux)

Vital signs measurement and interpretation, surgical and medical asepsis, sterilization techniques, parenteral drug administration (IM, IV, SC, ID), wound management and bedsore prevention, catheterization, patient positioning, and the 5-step nursing care process.

Study emphasis ~24%

Medical Pathology & Internal Medicine (Pathologie Médicale et Chirurgicale)

Clinical diagnosis and nursing management of endemic tropical infections (uncomplicated and severe malaria, pulmonary tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections, cholera, typhoid fever), cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders, and perioperative nursing.

Study emphasis ~20%

Community Health & Primary Health Care (Santé Communautaire et SSP)

Primary Health Care (Soins de Santé Primaires - SSP) in DRC health zones, Expanded Programme on Immunization (PEV) antigens and cold chain maintenance, WASH water chlorination and hygiene standards, Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (SIMR), and vector control.

Study emphasis ~12%

Pediatric Nursing & Child Health (Pédiatrie et Puériculture)

Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (PCIME / IMCI) danger signs and treatment protocols, screening and therapeutic management of acute malnutrition (MAM/SAM, MUAC, F-75/F-100, Plumpy'Nut), neonatal vital parameters, and pediatric rehydration therapy.

Study emphasis ~13%

Applied Pharmacology & Professional Ethics (Pharmacologie et Déontologie)

Drug dosage and IV infusion drop rate calculations, essential drug categories, adverse effects and contraindications, nursing professional secrecy (secret professionnel), patient advocacy, and Ordre National des Infirmiers de la RDC (ONIC) regulations.

How to Pass the Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Not published by the DESS; results are deliberated by the Jury National and released per pool
Assessment: Three assessment modes over roughly four days per pool: épreuves écrites (written subject papers covering sciences infirmières, médecine interne et chirurgie, santé communautaire, pédiatrie et puériculture, pharmacologie et déontologie), followed by épreuves orales, and closing with practical/clinical assessment including defence of the evaluation dossier (défense des dossiers d'évaluation).
Time limit: Typically four consecutive days of épreuves certificatives per pool de passation
Exam fee: No national fee is published; participation costs are set locally by provincial health divisions

Keys to Passing

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Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the national treatment protocols for malaria (ACTs for uncomplicated, IV artesunate for severe) and tuberculosis (2RHZE/4RH regimen).

2Practice intravenous drop rate and dosage calculations using the standard formula (drops/min = volume in mL × 20 / (hours × 60)).

3Memorize the national Expanded Programme on Immunization (PEV) schedule, vaccine storage temperatures (+2°C to +8°C), and PCIME danger signs.

4Review the signs of hypovolemic shock, dehydration degrees, and emergency nursing resuscitation procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jury National des Sciences de Santé in DR Congo?

The Jury National is the official exit examination administered annually by the Ministère de la Santé Publique through the Direction de l'Enseignement des Sciences de Santé (DESS) for final-year students at Instituts Techniques Médicaux (ITM) and Instituts d'Enseignement Médical (IEM) across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Passing it awards the Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier (Niveau A2).

What qualification is awarded upon passing the nursing Jury National?

Successful candidates earn the Diplôme d'État d'Infirmier(ère), conferring the professional title of Infirmier A2 (A2 Nurse), which authorizes legal clinical practice in public and private health facilities and qualifies the holder for registration with the Ordre National des Infirmiers de la RDC (ONIC).

What is the examination structure, and is a pass mark published?

The Jury National uses three assessment modes — written subject papers (nursing fundamentals, internal medicine and surgery, community health, paediatrics, pharmacology and deontology), oral examinations, and practical clinical assessment with defence of the evaluation dossier — normally spread over about four days per pool de passation. The DESS does not publish a national pass mark; results are deliberated by the Jury and released pool by pool.

Is this practice question bank an official examination paper?

No. The official examination is sat in French and includes oral and practical components. This practice bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation developed to help students consolidate key medical, surgical, community health, and clinical nursing concepts taught under the national curriculum. It is not an official translation, does not reproduce any past paper, and cannot substitute for oral or practical practice.