Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Competency
Test: Key Skills and Procedures Complete
Exam Study Guide (Questions with Verified
Answers)
1. What is the role of a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)? - ANSWER A PCA
assists clients with daily living activities and provides support under the
supervision of healthcare professionals.
2. Can a PCA reinforce a dressing? - ANSWER True
3. What should a PCA do if accused of stealing? - ANSWER Notify the
agency supervisor.
4. What happens if a PCA does not chart a task performed for a patient? -
ANSWER Legally, it was not done.
5. What should a PCA do if a patient has not moved their bowels in three days?
- ANSWER Report it to the nursing supervisor.
6. What is the first action a PCA should take when a patient complains of pain?
- ANSWER Ask the patient to describe the pain.
7. What should a PCA do if a patient with diabetes feels nervous and jittery? -
ANSWER Give her a glass of orange juice.
,8. Is hand washing important in infection control? - ANSWER Yes, it is the
single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.
9. When should gloves be worn? - ANSWER When handling items soiled by
body fluids.
10.What should a PCA do after removing gloves? - ANSWER Wash hands
before leaving the patient's home.
11.What is the normal temperature for the mouth? - ANSWER 98.6 degrees F.
12.How long should a pulse be taken? - ANSWER For one full minute.
13.What should a patient do while their respirations are being counted? -
ANSWER Not be aware that the respirations are being counted.
14.What should be done if a patient has drainage from a wound? - ANSWER
The drainage should be monitored and reported to the nurse for further
assessment.
15.True or False: Diarrhea can cause dehydration and should be reported. -
ANSWER True. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious
complications.
16.True or False: It is important to have the patient describe their pain and
report it. - ANSWER True. Describing and reporting pain is crucial for
proper patient care.
, 17.True or False: It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling,
or bloating. - ANSWER False. While some may experience these
symptoms, they should be assessed for potential issues.
18.What should you do if a patient's catheter is not draining? - ANSWER
Check the tubing to see if it is kinked before taking further action.
19.Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good bowel
habits? - ANSWER B. Laxatives. They should not be used regularly
without medical advice.
20.What should a PCA do if a patient requests an enema after three days
without a bowel movement? - ANSWER D. Contact the agency supervisor
to discuss the situation.
21.True or False: Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints. -
ANSWER True. Bedrails should not be used for this purpose due to safety
concerns.
22.Can a PCA apply a hot pack? - ANSWER False
23.Can a PCA give an enema? - ANSWER False
24.Can a PCA administer medication? - ANSWER False
25.Can a PCA change a sterile dressing? - ANSWER False
26.Can a PCA assist with changing a colostomy bag? - ANSWER True
Test: Key Skills and Procedures Complete
Exam Study Guide (Questions with Verified
Answers)
1. What is the role of a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)? - ANSWER A PCA
assists clients with daily living activities and provides support under the
supervision of healthcare professionals.
2. Can a PCA reinforce a dressing? - ANSWER True
3. What should a PCA do if accused of stealing? - ANSWER Notify the
agency supervisor.
4. What happens if a PCA does not chart a task performed for a patient? -
ANSWER Legally, it was not done.
5. What should a PCA do if a patient has not moved their bowels in three days?
- ANSWER Report it to the nursing supervisor.
6. What is the first action a PCA should take when a patient complains of pain?
- ANSWER Ask the patient to describe the pain.
7. What should a PCA do if a patient with diabetes feels nervous and jittery? -
ANSWER Give her a glass of orange juice.
,8. Is hand washing important in infection control? - ANSWER Yes, it is the
single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.
9. When should gloves be worn? - ANSWER When handling items soiled by
body fluids.
10.What should a PCA do after removing gloves? - ANSWER Wash hands
before leaving the patient's home.
11.What is the normal temperature for the mouth? - ANSWER 98.6 degrees F.
12.How long should a pulse be taken? - ANSWER For one full minute.
13.What should a patient do while their respirations are being counted? -
ANSWER Not be aware that the respirations are being counted.
14.What should be done if a patient has drainage from a wound? - ANSWER
The drainage should be monitored and reported to the nurse for further
assessment.
15.True or False: Diarrhea can cause dehydration and should be reported. -
ANSWER True. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious
complications.
16.True or False: It is important to have the patient describe their pain and
report it. - ANSWER True. Describing and reporting pain is crucial for
proper patient care.
, 17.True or False: It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling,
or bloating. - ANSWER False. While some may experience these
symptoms, they should be assessed for potential issues.
18.What should you do if a patient's catheter is not draining? - ANSWER
Check the tubing to see if it is kinked before taking further action.
19.Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good bowel
habits? - ANSWER B. Laxatives. They should not be used regularly
without medical advice.
20.What should a PCA do if a patient requests an enema after three days
without a bowel movement? - ANSWER D. Contact the agency supervisor
to discuss the situation.
21.True or False: Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints. -
ANSWER True. Bedrails should not be used for this purpose due to safety
concerns.
22.Can a PCA apply a hot pack? - ANSWER False
23.Can a PCA give an enema? - ANSWER False
24.Can a PCA administer medication? - ANSWER False
25.Can a PCA change a sterile dressing? - ANSWER False
26.Can a PCA assist with changing a colostomy bag? - ANSWER True
