PCA Competency Quiz & Flashcards for Georgia Exam

Questions and Answers

Reinforcing a dressing is allowed.

True

Applying a hot pack is permitted for a PCA.

False

Giving an enema is within the PCA's scope of practice.

False

Administering medication is a task for a PCA.

False Signup and view all the answers

Changing a sterile dressing is allowed for a PCA.

False Signup and view all the answers

A PCA can assist with changing a colostomy bag.

True Signup and view all the answers

Giving a rectal suppository is allowed for a PCA.

False Signup and view all the answers

PCA may give tubal feedings.

False Signup and view all the answers

A PCA can give insulin to a patient.

False Signup and view all the answers

Cutting nails is a task for a PCA.

False Signup and view all the answers

As a Personal Care Assistant, how do you work?

As part of the health care team. Signup and view all the answers

What is your duty when working in a home as a PCA?

Working under the supervision of a professional supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do as a PCA according to assigned tasks?

Do only the tasks that the registered nurse or therapist assigns to you. Signup and view all the answers

Being a good listener is important in the home.

True Signup and view all the answers

Always tell the patient what you are going to do before starting a procedure.

True Signup and view all the answers

You only communicate through words.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is important in communicating with people?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is body language?

A way of communicating feelings by using the body, facial expressions and the eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What should PCA care for a conscious patient be preceded by?

Giving an explanation of what is going to be done. Signup and view all the answers

What should Miss Harris do if she feels very angry while caring for Mr. Goodway?

Talk with the agency supervisor about the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do when a patient accuses them of stealing money?

Notify the agency supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

If you do not chart a task that you do for a patient, legally, it was not done.

True Signup and view all the answers

If the patient has a new area of skin breakdown and the nurse is not coming for two days, do you need to report it?

False Signup and view all the answers

A rapid pulse and shortness of breath usually indicate the patient is excited and does not need to be reported.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient tells you he has not moved his bowels in three days?

Report it to the nursing supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

Which actions is the Personal Care Assistant permitted to take in relation to drug administration?

Record and report the patient's reaction to medication Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do first when a patient complains of pain?

Ask the patient to describe the pain. Signup and view all the answers

What should a PCA notify the agency supervisor about regarding a patient with a changed prescription for heart pills?

"I have a rash on my stomach since I've been taking these pills." Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do immediately if Mrs. Rand feels nervous and jittery due to her diabetes?

Give her a glass of orange juice. Signup and view all the answers

Always report a pulse rate if the beats per minute are under 60 or over 100.

True Signup and view all the answers

The temperature of an unconscious patient should be taken orally.

False Signup and view all the answers

Recording a patient's 'TPR' or vital signs is unnecessary if you remember what they were.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which body area is considered to have a normal temperature of 99.6 degrees F?

Rectum. Signup and view all the answers

How long should you take a patient's pulse?

One full minute. Signup and view all the answers

What is best when counting a patient's respirations?

The patient should not be aware that the respirations are being counted. Signup and view all the answers

Hand washing is the single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.

True Signup and view all the answers

Gloves should only be worn when handling items soiled by body fluids.

False Signup and view all the answers

The catheter drainage bag must be lower than the bladder, but not on the floor.

True Signup and view all the answers

When should you wash your hands after removing gloves?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

In what situations should gloves be used?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

Diarrhea can cause dehydration and complications and must be reported.

True Signup and view all the answers

If a person complains of pain, it is important to describe the pain and report it.

True Signup and view all the answers

It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling, or bloating.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you should do if you notice a patient's catheter is not draining?

Check the tubing to see if it is kinked. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good daily bowel habits?

Laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do if Mrs. Morris hasn't had a bowel movement for three days and requests an enema?

Contact the agency supervisor to discuss the situation. Signup and view all the answers

Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints.

True Signup and view all the answers

Smoking in bed is allowed for anyone who is not confused.

False Signup and view all the answers

Part of your duty as a PCA is to assure a safe home environment. This includes:

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What safety precautions should be taken for a patient receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula?

Allow no smoking in the room. Signup and view all the answers

For an injury with profuse bleeding, apply pressure and call for assistance.

True Signup and view all the answers

If a patient begins to have a seizure, your first responsibility is to prevent injury.

True Signup and view all the answers

If a patient falls and complains of pain in their hip, you should help them get up and walk to the bed.

False Signup and view all the answers

Before first-aid measures for a choking patient, what should you determine?

If the patient can speak or cough. Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do while giving a bath to an unresponsive patient?

Lower the patient to the floor, call for family, call 911, determine if CPR is needed, and initiate if indicated. Signup and view all the answers

For which of these emergencies is knowledge of pressure points essential?

Bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which telephone number is important for a patient that the PCA must have access to?

The emergency medical squad. Signup and view all the answers

Every patient is the same and has the same needs and wants.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to use any item in the home without asking as long as it is for the patient's personal care.

False Signup and view all the answers

You may use the telephone in the patient's home without asking permission.

False Signup and view all the answers

How should you respond to a neighbor asking about a patient in your care?

I am sorry, but I cannot discuss the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about the elderly is true?

False Signup and view all the answers

When working with persons who are disabled, what is the general goal of care?

Promote maximum self-care and independence within the limits of the person's ability. Signup and view all the answers

What should a PCA do if a patient says she is not hungry, which is unusual behavior?

Tell the patient to notify you when she wants to eat and remind her it is important. Signup and view all the answers

The ability to make observations is more important when working with infants and young children than with adults.

True Signup and view all the answers

It is important to keep a patient covered during a bed bath except for the part being washed.

True Signup and view all the answers

Massaging bony prominences helps prevent skin breakdown.

True Signup and view all the answers

When giving peri-care to a patient after a bowel movement, wash from back to front.

False Signup and view all the answers

How should you test water temperature before giving a patient a bath?

Find out if the water is warm (not hot or cold) to the touch on the inside of your wrist. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most appropriate practice to promote good skin care in the elderly?

Keep the skin clean and well moisturized. Signup and view all the answers

Where should dentures be stored if not worn at night?

Place in a clean container in clean water. Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do if an elderly male patient occasionally wets his trousers?

Encourage him to go to the bathroom at least every two hours. Signup and view all the answers

In giving foot care to a patient who has diabetes, soaking the patient's feet for more than 5 minutes is acceptable.

False Signup and view all the answers

Always transfer a patient towards their good side.

True Signup and view all the answers

It's acceptable to reach for an object without being near it.

False Signup and view all the answers

It's best to use a gait belt if a patient is unsteady.

True Signup and view all the answers

To help a patient lying on their back who has slid down in bed move up again, how should they start?

Flex their knees and push with their heels. Signup and view all the answers

Before helping a patient into or out of a wheelchair, you should lock the brakes.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when assisting a patient to walk with a walker?

Clear a pathway and remove all safety hazards, stay close to the patient's side. Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do if a patient who has been on bed rest feels dizzy when getting up?

Support the patient in a sitting position and wait a minute to see if the dizziness goes away. Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has had a stroke and has right-sided weakness, what is the recommended assistance position?

On the patient's right side. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential when helping Mr. Sticke from the bed to the wheelchair considering his condition?

Have the brakes on the wheelchair in a locked position. Signup and view all the answers

Passive range of motion exercises prevent contractures in paralyzed limbs.

True Signup and view all the answers

You should continue range of motion exercises even if you feel resistance or the patient complains of pain.

False Signup and view all the answers

It's best to have a pillow between the legs of a patient with a new hip replacement.

True Signup and view all the answers

To prevent bedsores in the elderly, what should you do?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What action should the PCA take when caring for a newborn baby?

Support the baby's head and neck when picking the baby up. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes good body mechanics?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What should the PCA do to prevent bedsores when caring for a patient on bed rest?

Keep the bottom sheet free of wrinkles. Signup and view all the answers

Soy sauce is good to spice up a low salt diet.

False Signup and view all the answers

A regular diet is a well-balanced diet with no restrictions.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bread and potatoes are a good source of protein.

False Signup and view all the answers

Foods on a liquid diet would include:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Foods that are high in vitamin C include:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

If there is 50cc left in a glass that holds 150cc, how should you record the intake?

100cc. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these foods is also high in calcium?

Cheese Signup and view all the answers

What problems may arise if a patient does not have enough fluids?

Constipation. Signup and view all the answers

When should the fluid intake be recorded for a patient?

When the patient has drunk the fluids. Signup and view all the answers

Patients on low salt diets are usually allowed to have which of these foods?

Raisins Signup and view all the answers

How should the Personal Care Assistant handle religious beliefs expressed by patients?

Patients have a right to their own beliefs, which should be respected. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

PCA Competency Test Key Points

Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) must reinforce dressings but cannot apply hot packs, administer medications, or give enemas.
PCAs can assist with colostomy bags but must perform only tasks assigned by licensed professionals.
Effective communication includes listening, courtesy, and tact; body language is also crucial in conveying feelings.
Always explain procedures to patients before beginning care tasks and maintain patient confidentiality in discussions about their health.
Documenting care is vital; failure to chart can imply tasks were not completed.
Report significant changes in a patient's condition, including skin breakdown and changes in bowel movements, to a supervisor.
Communication about pain should begin with the PCA asking the patient to describe their pain.
PCAs are allowed to record and report reactions to medications but cannot administer drugs.
Safety protocols include keeping a catheter drainage bag below the bladder level, using gloves when handling bodily fluids, and consistently practicing hand hygiene.
Urgent situations such as choking or seizures require assessing the patient's needs and calling for assistance while preventing injury.
Transfer patients towards their stronger side, use gait belts for unsteady patients, and ensure wheelchair brakes are locked during transfers.
Bedsores can be prevented with regular position changes, proper nutrition, and skin care.
Nutritional knowledge includes recognizing that certain foods may not fit dietary restrictions, like soy sauce on a low-salt diet, and understanding proper liquid diet options.
For patients who are elderly or have disabilities, promoting independence is essential while being attentive to their specific needs.
PCAs must respect patients' rights to their personal beliefs and uphold their dignity in care practices.
In emergency scenarios, applying pressure to bleeding injuries and ensuring immediate assistance are crucial.
Always monitor vital signs and ensure cleanliness to prevent infection and complications from procedures.
Understand that proper patient care means adapting techniques, particularly in sensitive cases like newborn care and elderly skin care.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for the PCA Competency Exam in Georgia. Each card challenges your understanding of various tasks essential for patient care. Determine whether each statement is true or false to reinforce your nursing skills.

PCA Competency Test (Georgia Exam) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Reinforcing a dressing is allowed.

Applying a hot pack is permitted for a PCA.

Giving an enema is within the PCA's scope of practice.

Administering medication is a task for a PCA.

Changing a sterile dressing is allowed for a PCA.

A PCA can assist with changing a colostomy bag.

Giving a rectal suppository is allowed for a PCA.

PCA may give tubal feedings.

A PCA can give insulin to a patient.

Cutting nails is a task for a PCA.

As a Personal Care Assistant, how do you work?

What is your duty when working in a home as a PCA?

What should you do as a PCA according to assigned tasks?

Being a good listener is important in the home.

Always tell the patient what you are going to do before starting a procedure.

You only communicate through words.

Which of the following is important in communicating with people?

What is body language?

What should PCA care for a conscious patient be preceded by?

What should Miss Harris do if she feels very angry while caring for Mr. Goodway?

What should the PCA do when a patient accuses them of stealing money?

If you do not chart a task that you do for a patient, legally, it was not done.

If the patient has a new area of skin breakdown and the nurse is not coming for two days, do you need to report it?

A rapid pulse and shortness of breath usually indicate the patient is excited and does not need to be reported.

What should be done if a patient tells you he has not moved his bowels in three days?

Which actions is the Personal Care Assistant permitted to take in relation to drug administration?

What should the PCA do first when a patient complains of pain?

What should a PCA notify the agency supervisor about regarding a patient with a changed prescription for heart pills?

What should the PCA do immediately if Mrs. Rand feels nervous and jittery due to her diabetes?

Always report a pulse rate if the beats per minute are under 60 or over 100.

The temperature of an unconscious patient should be taken orally.

Recording a patient's 'TPR' or vital signs is unnecessary if you remember what they were.

Which body area is considered to have a normal temperature of 99.6 degrees F?

How long should you take a patient's pulse?

What is best when counting a patient's respirations?

Hand washing is the single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.

Gloves should only be worn when handling items soiled by body fluids.

The catheter drainage bag must be lower than the bladder, but not on the floor.

When should you wash your hands after removing gloves?

In what situations should gloves be used?

Diarrhea can cause dehydration and complications and must be reported.

If a person complains of pain, it is important to describe the pain and report it.

It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling, or bloating.

What is the first thing you should do if you notice a patient's catheter is not draining?

Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good daily bowel habits?

What should the PCA do if Mrs. Morris hasn't had a bowel movement for three days and requests an enema?

Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints.

Smoking in bed is allowed for anyone who is not confused.

Part of your duty as a PCA is to assure a safe home environment. This includes:

What safety precautions should be taken for a patient receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula?

For an injury with profuse bleeding, apply pressure and call for assistance.

If a patient begins to have a seizure, your first responsibility is to prevent injury.

If a patient falls and complains of pain in their hip, you should help them get up and walk to the bed.

Before first-aid measures for a choking patient, what should you determine?

What should the PCA do while giving a bath to an unresponsive patient?

For which of these emergencies is knowledge of pressure points essential?

Which telephone number is important for a patient that the PCA must have access to?

Every patient is the same and has the same needs and wants.

It is acceptable to use any item in the home without asking as long as it is for the patient's personal care.

You may use the telephone in the patient's home without asking permission.

How should you respond to a neighbor asking about a patient in your care?

Which of these statements about the elderly is true?

When working with persons who are disabled, what is the general goal of care?

What should a PCA do if a patient says she is not hungry, which is unusual behavior?

The ability to make observations is more important when working with infants and young children than with adults.

It is important to keep a patient covered during a bed bath except for the part being washed.

Massaging bony prominences helps prevent skin breakdown.

When giving peri-care to a patient after a bowel movement, wash from back to front.

How should you test water temperature before giving a patient a bath?

What is the most appropriate practice to promote good skin care in the elderly?

Where should dentures be stored if not worn at night?

What should the PCA do if an elderly male patient occasionally wets his trousers?

In giving foot care to a patient who has diabetes, soaking the patient's feet for more than 5 minutes is acceptable.

Always transfer a patient towards their good side.

It's acceptable to reach for an object without being near it.

It's best to use a gait belt if a patient is unsteady.

To help a patient lying on their back who has slid down in bed move up again, how should they start?

Before helping a patient into or out of a wheelchair, you should lock the brakes.