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Key Facts: EHPLE Nursing Exam

200 MCQs

Total Questions

MoH HHrIPR-LEO Blueprint

Two blocks of 100

Total Duration

MoH Implementation Guideline (blocks of <=120 questions, >=30-minute break)

Modified Angoff

Standard Setting

HHrIPR-LEO Licensure Policy

Not published

Registration Fee

MoH registration portal (hple.moh.gov.et)

Practice 100 exam-grade multiple-choice questions mapped to the official Ethiopian MoH HHrIPR-LEO BSc Nursing licensing blueprint, covering medical-surgical care, maternal and child health, primary health care, mental health, and nursing fundamentals.

Sample EHPLE Nursing Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the EHPLE Nursing exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 56-year-old male arrives at the emergency outpatient department with crushing substernal chest pain radiating to his left jaw and diaphoresis for the past 45 minutes. His oxygen saturation is 94% on room air, blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg, and pulse is 96 beats/min. Which initial pharmacological intervention is the nurse's highest priority to administer immediately?
A.Chewable non-enteric-coated aspirin 162 to 325 mg
B.Intravenous morphine sulfate 4 mg bolus
C.Sublingual nitroglycerin 0.4 mg tablet
D.Supplemental oxygen via high-flow non-rebreather mask
Explanation: Immediate administration of chewable non-enteric-coated aspirin provides rapid antiplatelet activity, inhibiting thromboxane A2 and halting coronary thrombus propagation in acute coronary syndrome. Morphine and nitroglycerin are valuable for pain and preload reduction, but aspirin has a proven mortality-reduction benefit. High-flow oxygen is no longer routinely indicated when baseline oxygen saturation is at or above 90% without respiratory distress.
2A nurse is conducting a physical assessment on a 62-year-old female admitted with decompensated heart failure. Which clinical finding specifically indicates left-sided heart failure rather than right-sided heart failure?
A.Jugular venous distension with elevated central venous pressure
B.Bilateral inspiratory crackles and orthopnea
C.Bilateral pitting edema of the lower extremities
D.Hepatomegaly with right upper quadrant tenderness
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes backward congestion into the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary capillary engorgement, alveolar transudation, bilateral inspiratory crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Jugular venous distension, dependent peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly represent systemic venous congestion characteristic of right-sided ventricular failure.
3A nurse witnesses an adult inpatient collapse in the corridor. After confirming unresponsiveness and absence of a carotid pulse, the nurse initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). What are the correct compression rate and depth for high-quality adult CPR?
A.Rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute and depth of at least 3 cm but no more than 4 cm
B.Rate of 120 to 140 compressions per minute and depth of 7 to 8 cm
C.Rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and depth of at least 5 cm but no more than 6 cm
D.Rate of 60 to 80 compressions per minute and depth of 4 to 5 cm
Explanation: Current basic life support standards mandate adult chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 5 cm (2 inches) without exceeding 6 cm (2.4 inches). Rates slower than 100/min compromise coronary perfusion pressure, whereas rates exceeding 120/min prevent adequate ventricular filling. Compressions shallower than 5 cm fail to generate adequate stroke volume.
4A client with chronic heart failure who has been taking oral digoxin 0.25 mg daily reports loss of appetite, nausea, and seeing yellow-green halos around lights. The nurse notes a pulse rate of 50 beats/min. Which serum electrolyte imbalance is the most significant predisposing factor for this condition?
A.Hypercalcemia
B.Hypernatremia
C.Hypophosphatemia
D.Hypokalemia
Explanation: Digoxin exerts its inotropic effect by binding to and inhibiting the myocardial cell membrane sodium-potassium ATPase pump. Potassium ions compete with digoxin for these binding sites; therefore, low serum potassium (hypokalemia) allows excessive digoxin binding, greatly magnifying its toxicity even at normal serum levels. Typical signs of digoxin toxicity include anorexia, nausea, bradycardia, and visual xanthopsia (yellow-green halos).
5A 48-year-old male with chronic hypertension presents to the emergency room with a blood pressure of 220/130 mmHg, severe headache, confusion, and papilledema. The physician orders intravenous labetalol. What is the fundamental nursing principle regarding the rate of blood pressure reduction in this hypertensive emergency?
A.Reduce mean arterial pressure by no more than 20% to 25% within the first hour to avoid cerebral ischemia
B.Rapidly normalize blood pressure to below 120/80 mmHg within the first 30 minutes
C.Lower the systolic pressure to below 100 mmHg within the first 2 hours using continuous boluses
D.Maintain the elevated pressure for 24 hours to preserve collateral circulation before initiating pharmacotherapy
Explanation: In a hypertensive emergency with acute target-organ damage, the blood pressure must be reduced cautiously to preserve autoregulation of vital organ perfusion. Lowering mean arterial pressure (MAP) by no more than 20% to 25% over the first hour—or targeting a diastolic pressure around 100 to 110 mmHg over 2 to 6 hours—prevents sudden hypoperfusion, ischemic stroke, and acute renal failure. Rapid normalization to normotensive levels precipitously collapses cerebral blood flow.
6A 22-year-old female with a history of asthma is brought to the triage unit with severe dyspnea, tachypnea of 34 breaths/min, and audible expiratory wheezing. Five minutes after nebulization with salbutamol, the nurse notes that the patient's wheezing has disappeared, breath sounds are barely audible on auscultation, and the patient appears drowsy. How should the nurse interpret this change?
A.Effective therapeutic response and bronchodilation from the inhaled beta-2 agonist
B.Impending respiratory arrest due to severe exhaustion and critical airway obstruction
C.Development of an acute spontaneous tension pneumothorax requiring chest tube drainage
D.A transition from acute bronchial constriction to emotional hyperventilation
Explanation: The sudden disappearance of wheezing accompanied by inaudible breath sounds ('silent chest') and lethargy in an asthmatic patient represents an ominous sign of critical airway narrowing, severe air trapping, respiratory muscle fatigue, and impending respiratory failure. True clinical recovery is characterized by decreased work of breathing, clear breath sounds, and normal mental status, not drowsiness and diminished ventilation.
7A 68-year-old male with a 20-year history of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is admitted with an acute exacerbation. Arterial blood gas analysis reveals chronic hypercapnia. Which oxygen saturation target range should the nurse aim for when titrating supplemental oxygen via a low-flow nasal cannula?
A.95% to 100%
B.80% to 84%
C.88% to 92%
D.98% to 100%
Explanation: In clients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure from severe COPD, administering excessive oxygen can worsen ventilation-perfusion mismatch and blunt the hypoxic ventilatory drive, leading to acute respiratory acidosis and carbon dioxide narcosis. Titrating controlled oxygen to maintain an oxygen saturation between 88% and 92% provides safe tissue oxygenation while minimizing hypercapnic risk.
8A client has a closed-chest drainage system with a water-seal chamber following thoracotomy for lung resection. During bedside rounds, the nurse observes continuous, vigorous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What does this observation indicate?
A.Normal fluctuation reflecting intrathoracic pressure changes during inspiration
B.Complete re-expansion of the affected lung requiring chest tube removal
C.Adequate and effective suction regulation by the wall vacuum unit
D.An air leak within the closed drainage system or client's pleural space
Explanation: In a three-chamber water-seal drainage unit, continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber signifies air entering the system, either from a persistent visceral pleural air leak or from a loose connection along the tubing. Normal tidal fluctuation (tidaling) moves fluid up on inspiration and down on expiration, whereas gentle bubbling is expected only in the suction control chamber if wet suction is applied.
9A 30-year-old driver is brought to the emergency ward following a blunt chest collision. The nurse notes extreme dyspnea, cyanosis, distended neck veins, absent breath sounds on the right side, and the trachea noticeably shifted to the left. The patient is hypotensive with a blood pressure of 76/40 mmHg. What is the priority immediate nursing intervention?
A.Assist with immediate needle thoracostomy decompression in the second or fifth intercostal space
B.Obtain an urgent portable chest radiograph to confirm the radiographic diagnosis
C.Administer an intravenous 1000 mL bolus of Ringer's lactate to treat hypovolemic shock
D.Perform endotracheal intubation and deliver positive pressure ventilation
Explanation: The clinical presentation of severe respiratory distress, unilateral absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, and obstructive shock is diagnostic of a tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax is a clinical emergency requiring immediate decompression with needle thoracostomy before acquiring an X-ray. Delaying decompression for radiography or applying positive pressure ventilation worsens intrathoracic tension and precipitates immediate cardiac arrest.
10On the first postoperative day following an open cholecystectomy, a client's respiratory assessment reveals shallow breathing at 24 breaths/min, slight dullness to percussion at the bilateral lung bases, and fine crackles that clear after coughing. Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing progressive postoperative atelectasis?
A.Maintaining the client on complete bed rest with strict supine positioning for 48 hours
B.Assisting the client to use an incentive spirometer 10 times every waking hour and encouraging early mobilization
C.Administering antitussive cough suppressants around the clock to minimize incisional strain
D.Restricting daily fluid intake to 800 mL to prevent pulmonary congestion
Explanation: Incentive spirometry encourages sustained maximal inspiration, which expands collapsed alveoli, increases functional residual capacity, and promotes secretion clearance after upper abdominal surgery. Early ambulation and sitting upright further enhance diaphragmatic excursion. Cough suppressants and prolonged supine positioning promote alveolar collapse and mucus plugging.

About the EHPLE Nursing Exam

The Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensing Examination (EHPLE) for Nursing is the mandatory national competency assessment administered by the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO). Designed for graduates of accredited Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing programs across Ethiopia, the exam verifies essential clinical knowledge, critical thinking, patient safety, and professional ethics required for independent nursing practice. Test items align with national standard treatment guidelines, IMNCI algorithms, maternal health protocols, infection prevention standards, and community primary health care delivery.

Exam sponsor: Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) — Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The MoH Implementation Guideline allots roughly 1.25 minutes per question and caps a single block at 120 questions / 2 hours 30 minutes, followed by a break of at least 30 minutes before the second block. A 200-item sitting is therefore delivered as a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each.

Time Limit

Two 100-question blocks with a break of at least 30 minutes

Passing Score

Set each round by an expert panel using the Modified-Angoff method (no fixed percentage)

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by MoH as a fixed public tariff. A registration fee is paid through the official portal (hple.moh.gov.et); candidates who miss a sitting without an accepted reason pay the registration fee plus a 50% penalty (MoH Exam Administration Manual). Confirm the current amount on the registration announcement.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

80.5%

Patient Care

Adult health nursing (36.5%), child health nursing (27%), maternal health nursing (9.5%), and mental health nursing (7.5%).

5.5%

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Community diagnosis and community-based preventive and promotive nursing interventions.

5%

Professionalism

Ethical principles, medico-legal practice, communication, collaboration, and standards of professional conduct.

5%

Leadership and Management

Nursing team leadership, health system management, and resource stewardship.

4%

Scholar

Research literacy, evidence-based nursing practice, and continuing professional development.

Preparing for the EHPLE Nursing Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set each round by an expert panel using the Modified-Angoff method (no fixed percentage)
  • Assessment: The MoH Implementation Guideline allots roughly 1.25 minutes per question and caps a single block at 120 questions / 2 hours 30 minutes, followed by a break of at least 30 minutes before the second block. A 200-item sitting is therefore delivered as a morning and an afternoon block of 100 questions each.
  • Time limit: Two 100-question blocks with a break of at least 30 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: Not published by MoH as a fixed public tariff. A registration fee is paid through the official portal (hple.moh.gov.et); candidates who miss a sitting without an accepted reason pay the registration fee plus a 50% penalty (MoH Exam Administration Manual). Confirm the current amount on the registration announcement. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

EHPLE Nursing: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) assessment charts and treatment algorithms, especially danger signs, hydration plans, and fast-breathing age thresholds.
2Review high-yield maternal and neonatal emergency protocols including Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL), preeclampsia magnesium sulfate regimens, and neonatal resuscitation steps.
3Practice clinical dosage and IV infusion calculations regularly, including pediatric weight-based dosing, drop factor equations, and Parkland burn resuscitation fluid calculations.
4Memorize national communicable disease guidelines for priority conditions in Ethiopia, including first-line anti-TB regimens, first-line antiretroviral therapy (TLD), and malaria species-specific treatment.
5Utilize the nursing process framework (Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) to prioritize patient interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ethiopian Health Professionals Licensing Examination (EHPLE) for Nursing?

The EHPLE Nursing exam is a mandatory national licensure assessment established by the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) and administered by the Health and Health-related Institutions and Professionals Regulatory Lead Executive Office (HHrIPR-LEO). All graduates holding a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Nursing from accredited Ethiopian or recognized foreign higher education institutions must pass this examination to receive a professional practice license and register with the national regulatory board.

How is the EHPLE Nursing examination structured and delivered?

The examination is delivered as a standardized computer-based test (CBT) comprising 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) administered across two consecutive sessions on the same test day. Each block contains 100 questions, timed at roughly 1.25 minutes per question under the MoH Implementation Guideline, and the two blocks are separated by a break of at least 30 minutes.

How is the passing score determined on the EHPLE?

The Ministry of Health utilizes the Modified Angoff standard-setting methodology to establish the cut-off score for each examination round. A panel of subject matter experts and nursing educators evaluates each test item's difficulty and estimates the probability that a minimally competent candidate will answer correctly, meaning the raw passing percentage can vary slightly between examination cohorts.

What are the eligibility requirements and registration procedure for the exam?

Candidates must have successfully completed all academic and clinical internship requirements for a BSc in Nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants register online via the official portal (https://hple.moh.gov.et/), submit authenticated degree certificates, academic transcripts, and official identification, and pay the required registration fee announced by the Ministry of Health for that round.

What resources should candidates prioritize when preparing for EHPLE Nursing?

Preparation should focus on Ethiopian national clinical guidelines, including the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) for General Hospitals, National Malaria Guidelines, National TB/HIV Guidelines, Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) charts, Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) protocols, and the National Infection Prevention and Patient Safety Guidelines.

Are these practice questions an official EHPLE paper?

No. The EHPLE is set and delivered only by the Federal Ministry of Health; these questions are an independent study aid written against the official Information Booklet blueprint and Ethiopian national clinical guidelines. The official examination is delivered in English as computer-based, four-option, single-best-answer MCQs, so the item format here matches the real assessment, but this bank is not an official past paper, a released item pool, or a simulation of the live testing environment. Always confirm registration dates, fees, and exam-day rules on moh.gov.et/ehple and hple.moh.gov.et.