Podcast
Questions and Answers
As a Personal Care Assistant, you will never get any further training after orientation.
As a Personal Care Assistant, you will never get any further training after orientation.
False
When you work in the home, you will be:
When you work in the home, you will be:
It is your responsibility as a Personal Care Assistant to plan the client's care.
It is your responsibility as a Personal Care Assistant to plan the client's care.
False
In the home, it is important to be a good listener.
In the home, it is important to be a good listener.
Signup and view all the answers
You only communicate through words.
You only communicate through words.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is important in communicating with people?
Which of the following is important in communicating with people?
Signup and view all the answers
Body language is:
Body language is:
Signup and view all the answers
If you do not chart a task that you do for a patient, legally, it was not done.
If you do not chart a task that you do for a patient, legally, it was not done.
Signup and view all the answers
If the patient has a new area of skin breakdown, and the nurse is coming in two days, you do not need to report the skin breakdown to your supervisor.
If the patient has a new area of skin breakdown, and the nurse is coming in two days, you do not need to report the skin breakdown to your supervisor.
Signup and view all the answers
A rapid pulse and shortness of breath in a patient usually indicates the patient is excited and does not need to be reported to the nurse.
A rapid pulse and shortness of breath in a patient usually indicates the patient is excited and does not need to be reported to the nurse.
Signup and view all the answers
The patient tells you he has not moved his bowels in three days. What should you do?
The patient tells you he has not moved his bowels in three days. What should you do?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these actions is the Personal Care Assistant permitted to take in relation to drug administration?
Which of these actions is the Personal Care Assistant permitted to take in relation to drug administration?
Signup and view all the answers
When a patient complains of pain, what should the Personal Care Assistant do first?
When a patient complains of pain, what should the Personal Care Assistant do first?
Signup and view all the answers
A patient's prescription for heart pills has recently been changed. The home health PCA should notify the agency supervisor immediately if the patient makes which of these comments?
A patient's prescription for heart pills has recently been changed. The home health PCA should notify the agency supervisor immediately if the patient makes which of these comments?
Signup and view all the answers
Mrs. Rand, who has diabetes and take insulin regularly, tells the Personal Care Assistant that she feels very nervous and jittery. What should the PCA do immediately?
Mrs. Rand, who has diabetes and take insulin regularly, tells the Personal Care Assistant that she feels very nervous and jittery. What should the PCA do immediately?
Signup and view all the answers
Always report a pulse rate if the beats per minute are under 60 or over 100.
Always report a pulse rate if the beats per minute are under 60 or over 100.
Signup and view all the answers
The temperature of an unconscious patient should be taken orally since they are not moving about.
The temperature of an unconscious patient should be taken orally since they are not moving about.
Signup and view all the answers
Recording a patient's “TPR” or vital signs is not important as long as you remember what they were.
Recording a patient's “TPR” or vital signs is not important as long as you remember what they were.
Signup and view all the answers
For which, if any, of these body areas is 99.6 degrees F. a normal temperature?
For which, if any, of these body areas is 99.6 degrees F. a normal temperature?
Signup and view all the answers
When taking a patient's pulse, you should take it for:
When taking a patient's pulse, you should take it for:
Signup and view all the answers
When a patient's respirations are being counted, it is best that the patient:
When a patient's respirations are being counted, it is best that the patient:
Signup and view all the answers
Hand washing is the single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.
Hand washing is the single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens.
Signup and view all the answers
Gloves should be worn when handling items soiled by body fluids.
Gloves should be worn when handling items soiled by body fluids.
Signup and view all the answers
The catheter drainage bag must be lower than the bladder, but not on the floor.
The catheter drainage bag must be lower than the bladder, but not on the floor.
Signup and view all the answers
During a visit, you need to wash your hands after removing gloves:
During a visit, you need to wash your hands after removing gloves:
Signup and view all the answers
In what situation should gloves be used?
In what situation should gloves be used?
Signup and view all the answers
Diarrhea can cause dehydration and other serious complications and should be reported.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration and other serious complications and should be reported.
Signup and view all the answers
If a person complains of pain, it is important to have the patient describe the pain and then report it to the nurse and record it in your notes.
If a person complains of pain, it is important to have the patient describe the pain and then report it to the nurse and record it in your notes.
Signup and view all the answers
It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling, or bloating in their ankles, feet, stomach or legs.
It's normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling, or bloating in their ankles, feet, stomach or legs.
Signup and view all the answers
If you notice the patient's catheter is not draining, the first thing you should do is:
If you notice the patient's catheter is not draining, the first thing you should do is:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good daily bowel habits:
Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good daily bowel habits:
Signup and view all the answers
Mrs. Morris has not had a bowel movement for three days. She has always given herself an enema if she does not have a good bowel movement for that long a time. Mrs. Morris asks the Personal Care Assistant to give her an enema. What should the PCA do?
Mrs. Morris has not had a bowel movement for three days. She has always given herself an enema if she does not have a good bowel movement for that long a time. Mrs. Morris asks the Personal Care Assistant to give her an enema. What should the PCA do?
Signup and view all the answers
Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints.
Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints.
Signup and view all the answers
Smoking in bed is fine for anyone who is not confused.
Smoking in bed is fine for anyone who is not confused.
Signup and view all the answers
Every patient is the same and has the same needs and wants
Every patient is the same and has the same needs and wants
Signup and view all the answers
It is all right to use any item in the home without asking as long as it is for the patient's personal care.
It is all right to use any item in the home without asking as long as it is for the patient's personal care.
Signup and view all the answers
You may use the telephone in the patient's home without asking permission.
You may use the telephone in the patient's home without asking permission.
Signup and view all the answers
A neighbor has asked you some questions about the patient you are presently taking care of. “Mrs. Cooler is dying, isn't she?” How will you answer her?
A neighbor has asked you some questions about the patient you are presently taking care of. “Mrs. Cooler is dying, isn't she?” How will you answer her?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these statements about the elderly is true?
Which of these statements about the elderly is true?
Signup and view all the answers
When working with person who are disabled, the general goal of care is to:
When working with person who are disabled, the general goal of care is to:
Signup and view all the answers
It is Mrs. Morris' usual time for lunch, but she says she is not hungry yet. This is the first time that Mrs. Morris has made this type of statement. What should the home health PCA do?
It is Mrs. Morris' usual time for lunch, but she says she is not hungry yet. This is the first time that Mrs. Morris has made this type of statement. What should the home health PCA do?
Signup and view all the answers
The ability to make observations is even more important when working with infants and young children than it is when working with adults. The chief reason for this is that infants and young children:
The ability to make observations is even more important when working with infants and young children than it is when working with adults. The chief reason for this is that infants and young children:
Signup and view all the answers
It is important to keep a patient covered during a bed bath except for the part being washed.
It is important to keep a patient covered during a bed bath except for the part being washed.
Signup and view all the answers
Massaging of bony prominences helps to prevent skin breakdown by increasing the blood supply to the area.
Massaging of bony prominences helps to prevent skin breakdown by increasing the blood supply to the area.
Signup and view all the answers
When giving peri-care to a patient after a BM, wash using a front to back motion in order not to spread fecal material to other areas.
When giving peri-care to a patient after a BM, wash using a front to back motion in order not to spread fecal material to other areas.
Signup and view all the answers
When giving the patient a bath, if the water is too hot, it can injure (burn) the person's skin. If it is too cold, it can chill the person. Therefore you should test the Water Temperature before beginning the bath by:
When giving the patient a bath, if the water is too hot, it can injure (burn) the person's skin. If it is too cold, it can chill the person. Therefore you should test the Water Temperature before beginning the bath by:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is most appropriate practice to promote good skin care in the elderly:
Which of the following is most appropriate practice to promote good skin care in the elderly:
Signup and view all the answers
If dentures are not worn when sleeping, where should you store them?
If dentures are not worn when sleeping, where should you store them?
Signup and view all the answers
An elderly male patient occasionally wets his trousers. What should the home health PCA do?
An elderly male patient occasionally wets his trousers. What should the home health PCA do?
Signup and view all the answers
In giving foot care to a patient who has diabetes, the Personal Care Assistant may take which of these actions?
In giving foot care to a patient who has diabetes, the Personal Care Assistant may take which of these actions?
Signup and view all the answers
Always transfer a patient towards his good side.
Always transfer a patient towards his good side.
Signup and view all the answers
There is no need to be near an object to pick it up, just reach.
There is no need to be near an object to pick it up, just reach.
Signup and view all the answers
It's best to use a gait belt if a patient is unsteady.
It's best to use a gait belt if a patient is unsteady.
Signup and view all the answers
A patient lying on his back has slid down in bed and needs help in moving up again. To start this, the patient should, if possible:
A patient lying on his back has slid down in bed and needs help in moving up again. To start this, the patient should, if possible:
Signup and view all the answers
Before helping a patient into or out of a wheelchair, which of these actions are necessary?
Before helping a patient into or out of a wheelchair, which of these actions are necessary?
Signup and view all the answers
When assisting a patient to walk with his walker, you should:
When assisting a patient to walk with his walker, you should:
Signup and view all the answers
Reinforce a dressing.
Reinforce a dressing.
Signup and view all the answers
Apply a hot pack.
Apply a hot pack.
Signup and view all the answers
Give and enema.
Give and enema.
Signup and view all the answers
Administer medication.
Administer medication.
Signup and view all the answers
Change a sterile dressing.
Change a sterile dressing.
Signup and view all the answers
Assist with change of a colostomy bag.
Assist with change of a colostomy bag.
Signup and view all the answers
Give a rectal suppository.
Give a rectal suppository.
Signup and view all the answers
Give a tubal feeding.
Give a tubal feeding.
Signup and view all the answers
Give insulin.
Give insulin.
Signup and view all the answers
Cut Nails.
Cut Nails.
Signup and view all the answers
As a Personal Care Assistant, you:
As a Personal Care Assistant, you:
Signup and view all the answers
As a Personal Care Assistant, it is your responsibility to:
As a Personal Care Assistant, it is your responsibility to:
Signup and view all the answers
Always tell the patient what you are going to do before starting a procedure.
Always tell the patient what you are going to do before starting a procedure.
Signup and view all the answers
PCA care for a conscious patient should be preceded by:
PCA care for a conscious patient should be preceded by:
Signup and view all the answers
Miss Harris, a Personal Care Assistant, is assigned to care for Mr. Goodway. Miss Harris notices that she feels very angry when she is with Mr. Goodway. What should Miss Harris do because she feels this way?
Miss Harris, a Personal Care Assistant, is assigned to care for Mr. Goodway. Miss Harris notices that she feels very angry when she is with Mr. Goodway. What should Miss Harris do because she feels this way?
Signup and view all the answers
A patient accuses a Personal Care Assistant of stealing five dollars. The PCA has not taken the patient's money, but the patient does not believe this. What should the PCA do?
A patient accuses a Personal Care Assistant of stealing five dollars. The PCA has not taken the patient's money, but the patient does not believe this. What should the PCA do?
Signup and view all the answers
Part of your duties as a Personal Care Assistant are to assure a safe home environment. This includes:
Part of your duties as a Personal Care Assistant are to assure a safe home environment. This includes:
Signup and view all the answers
A patient is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. What safety precautions should the Personal Care Assistant take?
A patient is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. What safety precautions should the Personal Care Assistant take?
Signup and view all the answers
For an injury with profuse bleeding, apply pressure and call for assistance.
For an injury with profuse bleeding, apply pressure and call for assistance.
Signup and view all the answers
If the patient begins to have a seizure, your first responsibility is to prevent the patient from injuring himself.
If the patient begins to have a seizure, your first responsibility is to prevent the patient from injuring himself.
Signup and view all the answers
If the patient falls and complains of pain in his hip, you should help him/her to get up and walk to the bed.
If the patient falls and complains of pain in his hip, you should help him/her to get up and walk to the bed.
Signup and view all the answers
A patient is choking on some object that is caught in his/her airway. Before first-aid measures are applied, find out:
A patient is choking on some object that is caught in his/her airway. Before first-aid measures are applied, find out:
Signup and view all the answers
While giving a bath on a shower chair, the patient suddenly gasps and becomes unresponsive. The PCA should:
While giving a bath on a shower chair, the patient suddenly gasps and becomes unresponsive. The PCA should:
Signup and view all the answers
For which of these emergencies is a knowledge of pressure points essential?
For which of these emergencies is a knowledge of pressure points essential?
Signup and view all the answers
The telephone numbers of all the following are important to a patient. Which number must the Person Care Assistant have next to the telephone?
The telephone numbers of all the following are important to a patient. Which number must the Person Care Assistant have next to the telephone?
Signup and view all the answers
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Competency Test Study Notes
- Role of the Personal Care Assistant (PCA): A PCA may perform certain duties. The test covers which tasks a PCA can legally perform.
- Competency Test Questions: The test includes multiple choice questions about the duties of a PCA. Some questions ask about essential caregiving responsibilities, while others focus on communication, observation, reporting, documentation, infection control, body functions and changes, emergency procedures, human development, personal care, and nutrition.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills are vital, and include courtesy, tact, and active listening.
- Observation, Reporting, and Documentation: Accurate observation and clear documentation are crucial. Failing to document a task is considered not performing it, therefore record everything. Reporting any changes or concerns to a supervisor is imperative.
- Infection Control: Proper hygiene, hand washing, and glove use are critical to preventing the spread of infections, as well as proper handling of contaminated items, to maintain a safe environment.
- Body Functions and Changes: Understanding and reporting changes in a patient's body functions, like bowel movements, pain, or unusual reactions to medications, are essential duties.
- Emergency Procedures: Knowledge of how to handle emergency situations, such as choking, seizures, or injuries, is critical.
- Human Development: The test includes questions to ensure understanding of diverse patient needs, respecting patient beliefs, promoting self-care, and understanding the patient's general well-being.
- Personal Care: Appropriate practices, for example, hygiene, personal care, and denture care, are evaluated.
- Nutrition: Knowledge of nutrition and appropriate nutritional care for patients is tested.
- Cultural Differences: The test assesses the ability to respond appropriately to patients' religious beliefs and cultural differences. Respecting a patient's beliefs and preferences is essential.
- Emergency Procedures: Accurate assessment of patient condition and clear communication to supervisors and emergency responders is a crucial component of emergency preparedness.
- Safe Transfer Techniques and Ambulation: Correct protocols for assisting patients with movement and ambulation.
- Normal Range of Motion: The test addresses the necessity of passive range of motion exercises for patients with physical limitations.
- Nutrition: The exam covers the importance of appropriate food choices and balanced meals for patients.
- Cultural Differences: The exam includes questions on understanding and respecting patient religious beliefs and cultural differences.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Prepare for the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) competency test with this comprehensive quiz. It covers essential PCA duties, communication skills, documentation protocols, and infection control measures. Assess your knowledge of caregiving responsibilities and ensure you are ready for the certification.
