DHA Clinical Dietician case studies
DHA Clinical Dietician · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The DHA Clinical Dietician credential is a Dubai Health Authority licensing examination that dietitians must pass to be registered to practise clinically in Dubai. It is aimed at nutrition and dietetics graduates, including internationally trained candidates, who intend to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and community health settings in the emirate. The DHA Clinical Dietician case studies are 5 cases and about 3,431 words.
1Refeeding Risk in a Malnourished Patient with Prolonged Poor Intake
A 58-year-old man is admitted with 3 weeks of dysphagia and 12 kg unintentional weight loss (current weight 54 kg, BMI 17.8, usual weight 66 kg). Admission labs: sodium 133 mmol/L, potassium 3.1 mmol/L, magnesium 0.62 mmol/L, phosphate 0.71 mmol/L, glucose 5.4 mmol/L.
686 words, about 3 min2Glycemic Management in a Hospitalized Patient Receiving Enteral Nutrition
A 67-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 9.4%, on basal-bolus insulin at home) is admitted with a COPD exacerbation. She is intubated and started on continuous enteral feeding via nasogastric tube: a standard 1.2 kcal/mL formula at 60 mL/h (goal 1,728 kcal/day).
786 words, about 4 min3Anthropometric Assessment in a Patient with Ascites and Edema
A 54-year-old woman with alcohol-related cirrhosis and ascites is admitted with worsening abdominal distension. Weight 82 kg (dry weight 3 months ago 68 kg), height 160 cm, BMI 32.0.
801 words, about 4 min4Food Safety and Allergen Control in a Hospital Food Service
You are the clinical dietitian covering a 220-bed hospital. A patient with a documented severe peanut allergy is admitted.
573 words, about 3 min5Ethical Decision-Making Around Artificial Nutrition in Advanced Dementia
An 88-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer's disease (FAST stage 7c) is admitted with aspiration pneumonia. She is bedbound, nonverbal, and has a documented advance directive stating 'no artificial nutrition or hydration if I am unable to eat.' Her daughter, who is the healthcare proxy, insists on 'a feeding tube so she doesn't starve.' The medical team is divided; one physician says 'we should honor the family's wishes.' The patient's swallowing is unsafe for oral intake.
585 words, about 3 min