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Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certification
Exam 2026 | Clinical Procedures, EKG,
Phlebotomy, Patient Care Skills | Open-
Ended Q&A with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Patient Care Assistant (PCA) / Clinical Procedures / EKG / Phlebotomy
Source: Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certification Exam
Format: Open-ended questions with Correct Answers and rationales
1. What is the PCA responsible for during restorative rehabilitation
activities?
Correct Answer: providing reminders on when to perform these exercises
Rationale:
1. Restorative rehabilitation focuses on helping patients regain independence
in daily activities.
2. The PCA supports this process by cueing and reminding patients to perform
prescribed exercises.
3. Reminders promote patient engagement and adherence to the
rehabilitation plan.
2. What is the PCA responsible for prior to patient discharge?
Correct Answer: removing IV catheters
Rationale:
1. Peripheral IV catheters must be removed before a patient leaves the facility.
2. PCA scope of practice includes removal of peripheral IVs under nurse
supervision.
3. Leaving an IV in place after discharge poses infection and injury risks.
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3. Who removes sterile dressings?
Correct Answer: physicians
Rationale:
1. Sterile dressing removal from surgical sites or invasive lines typically
requires a physician order or direct physician performance.
2. The initial removal of a sterile dressing after surgery is often done by the
surgeon or advanced practitioner.
3. PCAs may remove non-sterile dressings but not sterile ones.
4. Who is tasked with changing non-sterile dressings?
Correct Answer: the PCA
Rationale:
1. Non-sterile dressing changes for stable, clean wounds are within PCA
scope of practice.
2. The PCA must follow facility policy and receive appropriate training.
3. Any signs of infection or complication must be reported to the nurse
immediately.
5. What should a PCA do during an independent transfer?
Correct Answer: monitor the patient, remove any obstacles, be prepared
to assist patient
Rationale:
1. Even during independent transfers, the patient remains at risk for falls.
2. Removing obstacles from the path prevents tripping hazards.
3. Staying within arm's reach allows the PCA to assist if the patient becomes
unsteady.
6. When should you use an assisted transfer?
Correct Answer: if the patient has trouble getting up, is unsteady on
his/her feet, or requires assistance when moving
Rationale:
1. Assisted transfers are used when the patient cannot safely transfer
independently.
2. Signs of unsteadiness include swaying, holding onto furniture, or needing
verbal encouragement.
3. Using assistive devices and additional staff prevents falls and injury.
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7. What temperature should bath water not exceed?
Correct Answer: 105 degrees F; 40 degrees C
Rationale:
1. Water temperatures above 105°F (40°C) can cause burns, especially in
older adults or those with sensory deficits.
2. The PCA should test water temperature with a thermometer or inner wrist
before patient contact.
3. Patients with diabetes or neuropathy are at higher risk for burn injury.
8. What should you do when the patient is bathing?
Correct Answer: provide privacy by closing the door
Rationale:
1. Patient privacy and dignity are essential during bathing.
2. Closing the door prevents unwanted intrusion and maintains
confidentiality.
3. The PCA should ensure the patient is safe and within earshot while
respecting privacy.
9. How do you determine if a patient has edema?
Correct Answer: press gently on patient's legs and determine if the
pressure causes a pit
Rationale:
1. Pitting edema is assessed by applying gentle pressure over a bony
prominence (tibia, sacrum).
2. A pit or indentation that remains after release indicates pitting edema.
3. The depth and duration of the pit (1+ to 4+) are documented by the
nurse.
10. What arm is the blood pressure cuff typically placed on?
Correct Answer: the left arm
Rationale:
1. The left arm is preferred because it is closer to the heart and may give more
consistent readings.
2. Consistent use of the same arm allows for accurate trend comparison.
3. The arm with the higher reading is used if there is a significant difference
between arms.
Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certification
Exam 2026 | Clinical Procedures, EKG,
Phlebotomy, Patient Care Skills | Open-
Ended Q&A with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Patient Care Assistant (PCA) / Clinical Procedures / EKG / Phlebotomy
Source: Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certification Exam
Format: Open-ended questions with Correct Answers and rationales
1. What is the PCA responsible for during restorative rehabilitation
activities?
Correct Answer: providing reminders on when to perform these exercises
Rationale:
1. Restorative rehabilitation focuses on helping patients regain independence
in daily activities.
2. The PCA supports this process by cueing and reminding patients to perform
prescribed exercises.
3. Reminders promote patient engagement and adherence to the
rehabilitation plan.
2. What is the PCA responsible for prior to patient discharge?
Correct Answer: removing IV catheters
Rationale:
1. Peripheral IV catheters must be removed before a patient leaves the facility.
2. PCA scope of practice includes removal of peripheral IVs under nurse
supervision.
3. Leaving an IV in place after discharge poses infection and injury risks.
, 2|Page
3. Who removes sterile dressings?
Correct Answer: physicians
Rationale:
1. Sterile dressing removal from surgical sites or invasive lines typically
requires a physician order or direct physician performance.
2. The initial removal of a sterile dressing after surgery is often done by the
surgeon or advanced practitioner.
3. PCAs may remove non-sterile dressings but not sterile ones.
4. Who is tasked with changing non-sterile dressings?
Correct Answer: the PCA
Rationale:
1. Non-sterile dressing changes for stable, clean wounds are within PCA
scope of practice.
2. The PCA must follow facility policy and receive appropriate training.
3. Any signs of infection or complication must be reported to the nurse
immediately.
5. What should a PCA do during an independent transfer?
Correct Answer: monitor the patient, remove any obstacles, be prepared
to assist patient
Rationale:
1. Even during independent transfers, the patient remains at risk for falls.
2. Removing obstacles from the path prevents tripping hazards.
3. Staying within arm's reach allows the PCA to assist if the patient becomes
unsteady.
6. When should you use an assisted transfer?
Correct Answer: if the patient has trouble getting up, is unsteady on
his/her feet, or requires assistance when moving
Rationale:
1. Assisted transfers are used when the patient cannot safely transfer
independently.
2. Signs of unsteadiness include swaying, holding onto furniture, or needing
verbal encouragement.
3. Using assistive devices and additional staff prevents falls and injury.
, 3|Page
7. What temperature should bath water not exceed?
Correct Answer: 105 degrees F; 40 degrees C
Rationale:
1. Water temperatures above 105°F (40°C) can cause burns, especially in
older adults or those with sensory deficits.
2. The PCA should test water temperature with a thermometer or inner wrist
before patient contact.
3. Patients with diabetes or neuropathy are at higher risk for burn injury.
8. What should you do when the patient is bathing?
Correct Answer: provide privacy by closing the door
Rationale:
1. Patient privacy and dignity are essential during bathing.
2. Closing the door prevents unwanted intrusion and maintains
confidentiality.
3. The PCA should ensure the patient is safe and within earshot while
respecting privacy.
9. How do you determine if a patient has edema?
Correct Answer: press gently on patient's legs and determine if the
pressure causes a pit
Rationale:
1. Pitting edema is assessed by applying gentle pressure over a bony
prominence (tibia, sacrum).
2. A pit or indentation that remains after release indicates pitting edema.
3. The depth and duration of the pit (1+ to 4+) are documented by the
nurse.
10. What arm is the blood pressure cuff typically placed on?
Correct Answer: the left arm
Rationale:
1. The left arm is preferred because it is closer to the heart and may give more
consistent readings.
2. Consistent use of the same arm allows for accurate trend comparison.
3. The arm with the higher reading is used if there is a significant difference
between arms.
