PCA (PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT)
COMPETENCY TEST GEORGIA EXAM
CURRENTLY TESTING /ALREADY GRADED
A+
1.
A PCA begins feeding a client who is alert but suddenly
becomes quiet and stops responding while food remains in
their mouth. What is the most appropriate immediate
action?
A. Encourage the client to swallow quickly
B. Sweep the mouth with fingers to remove food
C. Stop feeding and assess airway and responsiveness
D. Offer water to help clear the food
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden silence may indicate airway
obstruction; assessment comes before any intervention like
fluids or finger sweeps.
2.
While assisting a client to stand, the PCA notices the
client’s knees begin to buckle unexpectedly. What is the
safest immediate response?
,A. Pull the client upward using arm strength
B. Step back quickly to avoid injury
C. Lower the client gently to the floor using body support
D. Call for help before touching the client
Answer: C
Rationale: Prevent injury by controlling descent; pulling
may cause harm, stepping away increases fall risk.
3.
A client with mild dementia insists they already took a
bath today, but documentation shows they did not. What
is the best PCA approach?
A. Argue using documentation to prove the client is wrong
B. Skip the bath entirely to avoid distress
C. Rephrase and gently encourage bathing without
confrontation
D. Report refusal immediately without attempting care
Answer: C
Rationale: Avoid confrontation; use therapeutic
communication and redirection.
4.
,During perineal care, the PCA accidentally touches a
contaminated surface and continues care without changing
gloves. What risk does this create?
A. No risk if gloves are still intact
B. Cross-contamination and infection transmission
C. Only odor contamination
D. Minimal risk if hands are washed later
Answer: B
Rationale: Gloves do not replace proper technique;
contamination requires glove change.
5.
A PCA documents that a client “seems depressed and
uncooperative” after refusing care. What is the primary
issue with this documentation?
A. It is too detailed
B. It lacks timing information
C. It includes subjective judgment instead of objective
facts
D. It should not include refusals
Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation must be objective (e.g., “client
refused bath”), not interpretive.
, 6.
A client begins coughing during feeding but insists they
are fine and wants to continue eating. What should the
PCA do?
A. Respect the client’s wish and continue feeding
B. Stop feeding and reassess before continuing
C. Offer water to suppress coughing
D. Ignore since the client is alert
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety overrides preference when aspiration risk
is present.
7.
A PCA notices a client’s urine is dark and has a strong
odor, but the client denies discomfort. What is the best
action?
A. Increase fluid intake independently
B. Document and report findings to supervisor
C. Ignore unless pain develops
D. Add air freshener to the room
COMPETENCY TEST GEORGIA EXAM
CURRENTLY TESTING /ALREADY GRADED
A+
1.
A PCA begins feeding a client who is alert but suddenly
becomes quiet and stops responding while food remains in
their mouth. What is the most appropriate immediate
action?
A. Encourage the client to swallow quickly
B. Sweep the mouth with fingers to remove food
C. Stop feeding and assess airway and responsiveness
D. Offer water to help clear the food
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden silence may indicate airway
obstruction; assessment comes before any intervention like
fluids or finger sweeps.
2.
While assisting a client to stand, the PCA notices the
client’s knees begin to buckle unexpectedly. What is the
safest immediate response?
,A. Pull the client upward using arm strength
B. Step back quickly to avoid injury
C. Lower the client gently to the floor using body support
D. Call for help before touching the client
Answer: C
Rationale: Prevent injury by controlling descent; pulling
may cause harm, stepping away increases fall risk.
3.
A client with mild dementia insists they already took a
bath today, but documentation shows they did not. What
is the best PCA approach?
A. Argue using documentation to prove the client is wrong
B. Skip the bath entirely to avoid distress
C. Rephrase and gently encourage bathing without
confrontation
D. Report refusal immediately without attempting care
Answer: C
Rationale: Avoid confrontation; use therapeutic
communication and redirection.
4.
,During perineal care, the PCA accidentally touches a
contaminated surface and continues care without changing
gloves. What risk does this create?
A. No risk if gloves are still intact
B. Cross-contamination and infection transmission
C. Only odor contamination
D. Minimal risk if hands are washed later
Answer: B
Rationale: Gloves do not replace proper technique;
contamination requires glove change.
5.
A PCA documents that a client “seems depressed and
uncooperative” after refusing care. What is the primary
issue with this documentation?
A. It is too detailed
B. It lacks timing information
C. It includes subjective judgment instead of objective
facts
D. It should not include refusals
Answer: C
Rationale: Documentation must be objective (e.g., “client
refused bath”), not interpretive.
, 6.
A client begins coughing during feeding but insists they
are fine and wants to continue eating. What should the
PCA do?
A. Respect the client’s wish and continue feeding
B. Stop feeding and reassess before continuing
C. Offer water to suppress coughing
D. Ignore since the client is alert
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety overrides preference when aspiration risk
is present.
7.
A PCA notices a client’s urine is dark and has a strong
odor, but the client denies discomfort. What is the best
action?
A. Increase fluid intake independently
B. Document and report findings to supervisor
C. Ignore unless pain develops
D. Add air freshener to the room
