PSW Final Exam Review | Personal Support Worker Certification |
2025/2026
75 Questions & Correct Answers with Complete Solutions
Correct answers appear in bold cyan. Each question includes a rationale explaining the reasoning.
SECTION I: Multiple-Choice Questions (Questions 1–60)
Choose the BEST answer for each question. Select only one option (A, B, C, or D).
1. A PSW is assisting Mrs. Chen, who has limited English proficiency, with her morning routine. Which
approach best demonstrates client-centered care?
A) Speak louder and use simple words so she can understand more easily
B) Ask the interpreter to explain procedures and allow Mrs. Chen time to ask questions before
proceeding
C) Complete the care quickly to minimize her discomfort with the language barrier
D) Use gestures only, since written materials in her language are not available on the unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Client-centered care requires respecting each client's unique needs, including language and cultural
preferences. Using a professional interpreter and allowing the client time to participate promotes autonomy, dignity,
and informed consent. Speaking louder or rushing through care undermines communication and client respect.
2. Which of the following is the BEST example of using person-first language when documenting client
care?
A) "The diabetic in Room 12 needs insulin administered."
B) "The dementia patient is confused and agitated this morning."
C) "Mr. Patel, who lives with diabetes, requires assistance with his morning glucose monitoring."
D) "The stroke victim in bed 3 cannot feed herself."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Person-first language places the individual before the condition or disability, reinforcing the client's
dignity and identity. "Mr. Patel, who lives with diabetes" acknowledges the person first and the diagnosis second.
Terms like "diabetic," "dementia patient," and "stroke victim" define the person by their condition, which is
disrespectful.
3. Mrs. Okafor tells her PSW, "I do not want my family to know about my fall yesterday. Please keep it
between us." What is the PSW's most appropriate response?
A) Agree to keep the information confidential since the client has the right to privacy
B) Politely explain that falls must be reported to the care team and discuss who the client would
prefer to be informed
1
, C) Tell the client that the PSW is legally required to inform the family immediately
D) Ignore the request and discuss the fall with the family at the next visit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While client confidentiality is important, falls are a safety concern that must be reported to the supervising
nurse and care team. A PSW must never promise secrecy regarding safety issues. However, the PSW can respect the
client's autonomy by discussing preferences about who is informed and how information is shared. Option A
endangers the client, and options C and D disregard the client's expressed wishes without discussion.
4. A PSW is caring for a client who practices Jehovah's Witness faith and has refused a blood transfusion.
The client's family insists the transfusion must proceed. What should the PSW do?
A) Follow the family's request because they know what is best for the client
B) Report the situation to the supervising nurse immediately and document the client's expressed
wishes
C) Convince the client to accept the transfusion by explaining the medical benefits
D) Refuse to provide any further care to avoid involvement in the ethical dilemma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A capable adult has the right to refuse any treatment, including blood transfusions, based on personal or
religious beliefs. The PSW must respect the client's autonomy and report the conflict to the supervising nurse so the
care team and appropriate decision-makers can address it. The PSW must not coerce the client (option C) or abandon
care (option D). Family wishes do not override a capable client's informed consent (option A).
5. Which action by a PSW best demonstrates cultural humility during client care?
A) Memorizing cultural facts about every ethnic group in the community
B) Assuming a client's dietary preferences based on their country of origin
C) Asking the client open-ended questions about their preferences and acknowledging that the PSW
does not know everything about their culture
D) Treating all clients identically to avoid showing favouritism or bias
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, openness, and learning from clients about
their individual needs. It involves asking questions rather than making assumptions. Memorizing cultural facts (option
A) can lead to stereotyping, and assuming preferences (option B) is disrespectful. Treating everyone identically
(option D) ignores individual differences and is not truly person-centred.
6. A PSW is about to assist Mr. Thompson from his bed to a wheelchair using a mechanical (sit-to-stand)
lift. Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics?
A) Keep knees straight and bend at the waist to reach the sling straps
B) Position feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and keep the load close to the body
C) Twist at the torso while guiding the client into the wheelchair
D) Lift with the back muscles to maintain balance during the transfer
Correct Answer: B
2
, Rationale: Proper body mechanics include a wide base of support (feet shoulder-width apart), bending at the knees
rather than the waist, and keeping the load close to the body's centre of gravity. Bending at the waist with straight
knees (A) and twisting the torso (C) dramatically increase the risk of back injury. Lifting with back muscles (D) is
incorrect; the legs should provide the lifting force.
7. When assisting a client with a partial bed bath, which sequence follows best practice?
A) Face, perineal area, arms, chest, legs, back
B) Face, arms, chest, hands, legs, feet, back, perineal area
C) Back, legs, chest, arms, face, perineal area
D) Perineal area first, then face, arms, chest, legs, back
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard bed bath sequence proceeds from the cleanest to the least clean areas to prevent cross-
contamination. The face is washed first, followed by the arms, chest, hands, legs, feet, back, and finally the perineal
area. Washing the perineal area first (options A and D) introduces bacteria to cleaner areas. Option C does not
follow the clean-to-dirty principle.
8. Mrs. Delgado has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping her dress, which technique
should the PSW use?
A) Dress the affected (left) side first, then the unaffected side
B) Dress the unaffected (right) side first, then the affected side; undress the affected side first
C) Dress both sides simultaneously to save time
D) Encourage Mrs. Delgado to dress independently without any assistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard technique for dressing a client with unilateral weakness is to dress the unaffected side first
and then slide clothing onto the affected side. When undressing, the affected (weaker) side is removed first. This
approach minimizes pain, reduces the risk of injury, and takes advantage of the client's stronger side for assistance.
Option A reverses the correct order, option C is not feasible, and option D ignores the client's need for support.
9. A PSW is ambulating a client who is unsteady using a gait belt. Where should the PSW's hands be
positioned?
A) Grasping the client by the elbows to provide direct support
B) Holding the gait belt at the back with an overhand grasp, walking slightly behind and to one side
C) Placing hands under the client's armpits for maximum stability
D) Walking in front of the client while holding both hands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A gait belt should be grasped firmly at the back with an overhand grip while the PSW walks slightly behind
and to one side of the client. This position allows the PSW to provide support and quickly assist if the client begins to
fall. Grasping elbows (A) or armpits (C) can cause injury and pain. Walking in front (D) does not allow the PSW to
catch a falling client.
10. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which safety precaution is ESSENTIAL?
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2025/2026
75 Questions & Correct Answers with Complete Solutions
Correct answers appear in bold cyan. Each question includes a rationale explaining the reasoning.
SECTION I: Multiple-Choice Questions (Questions 1–60)
Choose the BEST answer for each question. Select only one option (A, B, C, or D).
1. A PSW is assisting Mrs. Chen, who has limited English proficiency, with her morning routine. Which
approach best demonstrates client-centered care?
A) Speak louder and use simple words so she can understand more easily
B) Ask the interpreter to explain procedures and allow Mrs. Chen time to ask questions before
proceeding
C) Complete the care quickly to minimize her discomfort with the language barrier
D) Use gestures only, since written materials in her language are not available on the unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Client-centered care requires respecting each client's unique needs, including language and cultural
preferences. Using a professional interpreter and allowing the client time to participate promotes autonomy, dignity,
and informed consent. Speaking louder or rushing through care undermines communication and client respect.
2. Which of the following is the BEST example of using person-first language when documenting client
care?
A) "The diabetic in Room 12 needs insulin administered."
B) "The dementia patient is confused and agitated this morning."
C) "Mr. Patel, who lives with diabetes, requires assistance with his morning glucose monitoring."
D) "The stroke victim in bed 3 cannot feed herself."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Person-first language places the individual before the condition or disability, reinforcing the client's
dignity and identity. "Mr. Patel, who lives with diabetes" acknowledges the person first and the diagnosis second.
Terms like "diabetic," "dementia patient," and "stroke victim" define the person by their condition, which is
disrespectful.
3. Mrs. Okafor tells her PSW, "I do not want my family to know about my fall yesterday. Please keep it
between us." What is the PSW's most appropriate response?
A) Agree to keep the information confidential since the client has the right to privacy
B) Politely explain that falls must be reported to the care team and discuss who the client would
prefer to be informed
1
, C) Tell the client that the PSW is legally required to inform the family immediately
D) Ignore the request and discuss the fall with the family at the next visit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While client confidentiality is important, falls are a safety concern that must be reported to the supervising
nurse and care team. A PSW must never promise secrecy regarding safety issues. However, the PSW can respect the
client's autonomy by discussing preferences about who is informed and how information is shared. Option A
endangers the client, and options C and D disregard the client's expressed wishes without discussion.
4. A PSW is caring for a client who practices Jehovah's Witness faith and has refused a blood transfusion.
The client's family insists the transfusion must proceed. What should the PSW do?
A) Follow the family's request because they know what is best for the client
B) Report the situation to the supervising nurse immediately and document the client's expressed
wishes
C) Convince the client to accept the transfusion by explaining the medical benefits
D) Refuse to provide any further care to avoid involvement in the ethical dilemma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A capable adult has the right to refuse any treatment, including blood transfusions, based on personal or
religious beliefs. The PSW must respect the client's autonomy and report the conflict to the supervising nurse so the
care team and appropriate decision-makers can address it. The PSW must not coerce the client (option C) or abandon
care (option D). Family wishes do not override a capable client's informed consent (option A).
5. Which action by a PSW best demonstrates cultural humility during client care?
A) Memorizing cultural facts about every ethnic group in the community
B) Assuming a client's dietary preferences based on their country of origin
C) Asking the client open-ended questions about their preferences and acknowledging that the PSW
does not know everything about their culture
D) Treating all clients identically to avoid showing favouritism or bias
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, openness, and learning from clients about
their individual needs. It involves asking questions rather than making assumptions. Memorizing cultural facts (option
A) can lead to stereotyping, and assuming preferences (option B) is disrespectful. Treating everyone identically
(option D) ignores individual differences and is not truly person-centred.
6. A PSW is about to assist Mr. Thompson from his bed to a wheelchair using a mechanical (sit-to-stand)
lift. Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics?
A) Keep knees straight and bend at the waist to reach the sling straps
B) Position feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and keep the load close to the body
C) Twist at the torso while guiding the client into the wheelchair
D) Lift with the back muscles to maintain balance during the transfer
Correct Answer: B
2
, Rationale: Proper body mechanics include a wide base of support (feet shoulder-width apart), bending at the knees
rather than the waist, and keeping the load close to the body's centre of gravity. Bending at the waist with straight
knees (A) and twisting the torso (C) dramatically increase the risk of back injury. Lifting with back muscles (D) is
incorrect; the legs should provide the lifting force.
7. When assisting a client with a partial bed bath, which sequence follows best practice?
A) Face, perineal area, arms, chest, legs, back
B) Face, arms, chest, hands, legs, feet, back, perineal area
C) Back, legs, chest, arms, face, perineal area
D) Perineal area first, then face, arms, chest, legs, back
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard bed bath sequence proceeds from the cleanest to the least clean areas to prevent cross-
contamination. The face is washed first, followed by the arms, chest, hands, legs, feet, back, and finally the perineal
area. Washing the perineal area first (options A and D) introduces bacteria to cleaner areas. Option C does not
follow the clean-to-dirty principle.
8. Mrs. Delgado has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When helping her dress, which technique
should the PSW use?
A) Dress the affected (left) side first, then the unaffected side
B) Dress the unaffected (right) side first, then the affected side; undress the affected side first
C) Dress both sides simultaneously to save time
D) Encourage Mrs. Delgado to dress independently without any assistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The standard technique for dressing a client with unilateral weakness is to dress the unaffected side first
and then slide clothing onto the affected side. When undressing, the affected (weaker) side is removed first. This
approach minimizes pain, reduces the risk of injury, and takes advantage of the client's stronger side for assistance.
Option A reverses the correct order, option C is not feasible, and option D ignores the client's need for support.
9. A PSW is ambulating a client who is unsteady using a gait belt. Where should the PSW's hands be
positioned?
A) Grasping the client by the elbows to provide direct support
B) Holding the gait belt at the back with an overhand grasp, walking slightly behind and to one side
C) Placing hands under the client's armpits for maximum stability
D) Walking in front of the client while holding both hands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A gait belt should be grasped firmly at the back with an overhand grip while the PSW walks slightly behind
and to one side of the client. This position allows the PSW to provide support and quickly assist if the client begins to
fall. Grasping elbows (A) or armpits (C) can cause injury and pain. Walking in front (D) does not allow the PSW to
catch a falling client.
10. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which safety precaution is ESSENTIAL?
3
