PA Personal Care Home Practice Questions and Answers Updated 2026 |
Complete Pennsylvania Personal Care Home Administrator & Direct Care
Staff Study Guide with Verified Questions, Detailed Rationales, Resident
Rights, Medication Administration, Infection Prevention, Care Planning,
Documentation, Emergency Preparedness, Staff Responsibilities &
Licensing Exam Prep
Question 1: What does PCH stand for in Pennsylvania? A. Private Care B. Personal
Care Home C. Public Care D. Primary Care CORRECT ANSWER: B. Personal Care
Home Rationale: PCH is the acronym for Personal Care Home.
Question 2: Which agency regulates PCHs in Pennsylvania? A. Department of Health
B. Department of Human Services C. Department of Aging D. Department of State
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Department of Human Services Rationale: The PA
Department of Human Services regulates Personal Care Homes.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of unrelated individuals a PCH must
serve? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five CORRECT ANSWER: C. Four Rationale: A PCH
must provide care to four or more unrelated individuals.
Question 4: Which service is NOT considered basic personal care? A. Assistance
with bathing B. Skilled nursing care C. Meal preparation D. Medication reminders
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Skilled nursing care Rationale: Skilled nursing requires a
licensed facility; PCHs provide non-medical personal care.
Question 5: Who is responsible for the overall operation of a PCH? A. The director of
nursing B. The administrator C. The business owner D. The state inspector CORRECT
ANSWER: B. The administrator Rationale: The administrator is legally responsible for
the daily operation and compliance of the PCH.
Question 6: What document outlines the specific care a resident will receive? A.
Admission agreement B. Service plan C. Lease agreement D. Medical record CORRECT
ANSWER: B. Service plan Rationale: A service plan details the specific personal care
services provided to a resident.
Question 7: How often must a resident's service plan be reviewed? A. Monthly B.
Quarterly C. Annually or when condition changes D. Every five years CORRECT
ANSWER: C. Annually or when condition changes Rationale: Service plans must be
reviewed at least annually and whenever the resident's needs change.
Question 8: What is required before a resident is admitted to a PCH? A. A health
assessment B. A criminal background check of the resident C. A psychological
evaluation D. A financial audit CORRECT ANSWER: A. A health assessment Rationale:
A health assessment determines if the PCH can meet the resident's needs.
Question 9: Who must sign the admission agreement? A. Only the administrator B.
Only the resident C. The resident or their legal representative D. The state regulator
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The resident or their legal representative Rationale: The
resident or their legal representative must sign the admission agreement.
,Question 10: What must be included in the admission agreement? A. The resident's
medical diagnosis B. The schedule of basic services and rates C. The names of all other
residents D. The administrator's personal phone number CORRECT ANSWER: B. The
schedule of basic services and rates Rationale: The agreement must list services
provided, rates, and billing procedures.
Question 11: How long must a PCH retain resident records after discharge? A. One
year B. Three years C. Five years D. Permanently CORRECT ANSWER: C. Five years
Rationale: PA regulations require resident records to be retained for at least five years.
Question 12: Who has access to a resident's confidential records? A. Any staff
member B. Only authorized personnel C. Other residents D. The general public
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Only authorized personnel Rationale: Confidentiality must be
maintained; only staff with a legitimate need can access records.
Question 13: What is required for a PCH's physical environment? A. It must be a new
building B. It must comply with local zoning and building codes C. It must have a
swimming pool D. It must be located in a rural area CORRECT ANSWER: B. It must
comply with local zoning and building codes Rationale: The facility must meet all
applicable building, zoning, and safety codes.
Question 14: What must be provided in each resident's bedroom? A. A private
bathroom B. A lock on the inside of the door C. A window for natural light D. A television
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A window for natural light Rationale: Resident rooms must
have a window providing natural light and ventilation.
Question 15: What is the minimum floor space required per resident in a bedroom?
A. 40 square feet B. 60 square feet C. 80 square feet D. 100 square feet CORRECT
ANSWER: C. 80 square feet Rationale: PA regulations require at least 80 square feet of
floor space per resident in a bedroom.
Question 16: What must be available for residents with mobility impairments? A.
Elevators or ground-floor rooms B. Wheelchairs provided by the PCH C. Ramps in every
room D. Stair lifts CORRECT ANSWER: A. Elevators or ground-floor rooms Rationale:
Residents must have access to their rooms without using stairs if they are impaired.
Question 17: What is required for lighting in hallways and stairways? A. Dim lighting
for sleep B. Adequate lighting for safe movement C. Flashlights only D. Motion-sensor
lights only CORRECT ANSWER: B. Adequate lighting for safe movement Rationale:
Hallways and stairs must be well-lit to prevent falls and ensure safety.
Question 18: What temperature must be maintained in resident areas? A. 50-60
degrees B. 65-80 degrees C. 80-90 degrees D. Whatever the administrator prefers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 65-80 degrees Rationale: A comfortable and safe temperature,
typically 65-80 degrees, must be maintained.
Question 19: What must be provided for resident privacy? A. Curtains or screens
around beds B. Private rooms for everyone C. Soundproof walls D. Locked bathrooms
, CORRECT ANSWER: A. Curtains or screens around beds Rationale: Privacy must be
ensured during care, treatments, and personal activities.
Question 20: What is required for toilet and bathing facilities? A. One toilet for every
10 residents B. Adequate facilities in good repair C. Only sponge baths D. Outdoor
outhouses CORRECT ANSWER: B. Adequate facilities in good repair Rationale:
Facilities must be sufficient for the number of residents and maintained properly.
Question 21: What must be done to prevent falls in a PCH? A. Restrain all residents
B. Remove all furniture C. Implement fall prevention strategies D. Keep residents in bed
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Implement fall prevention strategies Rationale: PCHs must
have policies and practices to minimize fall risks.
Question 22: How must hazardous materials be stored? A. In resident rooms B. In
unlocked cabinets C. In locked, labeled containers away from residents D. In the
kitchen pantry CORRECT ANSWER: C. In locked, labeled containers away from
residents Rationale: Cleaning supplies and hazardous materials must be stored safely
out of reach.
Question 23: What is required for fire safety in a PCH? A. Fire extinguishers and
smoke detectors B. A fire pole C. Fireproof clothing for residents D. A helicopter landing
pad CORRECT ANSWER: A. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors Rationale: The
facility must have functioning smoke detectors, fire alarms, and extinguishers.
Question 24: How often must fire drills be conducted? A. Once a year B. Monthly on
each shift C. Only when the inspector visits D. Never CORRECT ANSWER: B. Monthly
on each shift Rationale: Fire drills must be conducted monthly on each shift to ensure
staff and resident safety.
Question 25: What must be posted in a prominent location in the PCH? A. The
administrator's resume B. The facility's license and inspection reports C. The menu for
the week D. The staff break schedule CORRECT ANSWER: B. The facility's license and
inspection reports Rationale: The current license and recent inspection reports must
be visible to residents and visitors.
Question 26: What is the primary goal of infection control in a PCH? A. To eliminate
all bacteria B. To prevent the spread of infections C. To use antibiotics daily D. To isolate
all residents CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent the spread of infections Rationale:
Infection control practices aim to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases.
Question 27: When must staff wash their hands? A. Only when they look dirty B.
Before and after resident contact C. Once a day D. Only before eating CORRECT
ANSWER: B. Before and after resident contact Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical
before and after contact with residents to prevent infection.
Question 28: How should linens be handled if soiled? A. Shaken in the hallway B.
Placed in a designated leak-proof container C. Washed in the resident's room D. Thrown
in the regular trash CORRECT ANSWER: B. Placed in a designated leak-proof
Complete Pennsylvania Personal Care Home Administrator & Direct Care
Staff Study Guide with Verified Questions, Detailed Rationales, Resident
Rights, Medication Administration, Infection Prevention, Care Planning,
Documentation, Emergency Preparedness, Staff Responsibilities &
Licensing Exam Prep
Question 1: What does PCH stand for in Pennsylvania? A. Private Care B. Personal
Care Home C. Public Care D. Primary Care CORRECT ANSWER: B. Personal Care
Home Rationale: PCH is the acronym for Personal Care Home.
Question 2: Which agency regulates PCHs in Pennsylvania? A. Department of Health
B. Department of Human Services C. Department of Aging D. Department of State
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Department of Human Services Rationale: The PA
Department of Human Services regulates Personal Care Homes.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of unrelated individuals a PCH must
serve? A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Five CORRECT ANSWER: C. Four Rationale: A PCH
must provide care to four or more unrelated individuals.
Question 4: Which service is NOT considered basic personal care? A. Assistance
with bathing B. Skilled nursing care C. Meal preparation D. Medication reminders
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Skilled nursing care Rationale: Skilled nursing requires a
licensed facility; PCHs provide non-medical personal care.
Question 5: Who is responsible for the overall operation of a PCH? A. The director of
nursing B. The administrator C. The business owner D. The state inspector CORRECT
ANSWER: B. The administrator Rationale: The administrator is legally responsible for
the daily operation and compliance of the PCH.
Question 6: What document outlines the specific care a resident will receive? A.
Admission agreement B. Service plan C. Lease agreement D. Medical record CORRECT
ANSWER: B. Service plan Rationale: A service plan details the specific personal care
services provided to a resident.
Question 7: How often must a resident's service plan be reviewed? A. Monthly B.
Quarterly C. Annually or when condition changes D. Every five years CORRECT
ANSWER: C. Annually or when condition changes Rationale: Service plans must be
reviewed at least annually and whenever the resident's needs change.
Question 8: What is required before a resident is admitted to a PCH? A. A health
assessment B. A criminal background check of the resident C. A psychological
evaluation D. A financial audit CORRECT ANSWER: A. A health assessment Rationale:
A health assessment determines if the PCH can meet the resident's needs.
Question 9: Who must sign the admission agreement? A. Only the administrator B.
Only the resident C. The resident or their legal representative D. The state regulator
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The resident or their legal representative Rationale: The
resident or their legal representative must sign the admission agreement.
,Question 10: What must be included in the admission agreement? A. The resident's
medical diagnosis B. The schedule of basic services and rates C. The names of all other
residents D. The administrator's personal phone number CORRECT ANSWER: B. The
schedule of basic services and rates Rationale: The agreement must list services
provided, rates, and billing procedures.
Question 11: How long must a PCH retain resident records after discharge? A. One
year B. Three years C. Five years D. Permanently CORRECT ANSWER: C. Five years
Rationale: PA regulations require resident records to be retained for at least five years.
Question 12: Who has access to a resident's confidential records? A. Any staff
member B. Only authorized personnel C. Other residents D. The general public
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Only authorized personnel Rationale: Confidentiality must be
maintained; only staff with a legitimate need can access records.
Question 13: What is required for a PCH's physical environment? A. It must be a new
building B. It must comply with local zoning and building codes C. It must have a
swimming pool D. It must be located in a rural area CORRECT ANSWER: B. It must
comply with local zoning and building codes Rationale: The facility must meet all
applicable building, zoning, and safety codes.
Question 14: What must be provided in each resident's bedroom? A. A private
bathroom B. A lock on the inside of the door C. A window for natural light D. A television
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A window for natural light Rationale: Resident rooms must
have a window providing natural light and ventilation.
Question 15: What is the minimum floor space required per resident in a bedroom?
A. 40 square feet B. 60 square feet C. 80 square feet D. 100 square feet CORRECT
ANSWER: C. 80 square feet Rationale: PA regulations require at least 80 square feet of
floor space per resident in a bedroom.
Question 16: What must be available for residents with mobility impairments? A.
Elevators or ground-floor rooms B. Wheelchairs provided by the PCH C. Ramps in every
room D. Stair lifts CORRECT ANSWER: A. Elevators or ground-floor rooms Rationale:
Residents must have access to their rooms without using stairs if they are impaired.
Question 17: What is required for lighting in hallways and stairways? A. Dim lighting
for sleep B. Adequate lighting for safe movement C. Flashlights only D. Motion-sensor
lights only CORRECT ANSWER: B. Adequate lighting for safe movement Rationale:
Hallways and stairs must be well-lit to prevent falls and ensure safety.
Question 18: What temperature must be maintained in resident areas? A. 50-60
degrees B. 65-80 degrees C. 80-90 degrees D. Whatever the administrator prefers
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 65-80 degrees Rationale: A comfortable and safe temperature,
typically 65-80 degrees, must be maintained.
Question 19: What must be provided for resident privacy? A. Curtains or screens
around beds B. Private rooms for everyone C. Soundproof walls D. Locked bathrooms
, CORRECT ANSWER: A. Curtains or screens around beds Rationale: Privacy must be
ensured during care, treatments, and personal activities.
Question 20: What is required for toilet and bathing facilities? A. One toilet for every
10 residents B. Adequate facilities in good repair C. Only sponge baths D. Outdoor
outhouses CORRECT ANSWER: B. Adequate facilities in good repair Rationale:
Facilities must be sufficient for the number of residents and maintained properly.
Question 21: What must be done to prevent falls in a PCH? A. Restrain all residents
B. Remove all furniture C. Implement fall prevention strategies D. Keep residents in bed
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Implement fall prevention strategies Rationale: PCHs must
have policies and practices to minimize fall risks.
Question 22: How must hazardous materials be stored? A. In resident rooms B. In
unlocked cabinets C. In locked, labeled containers away from residents D. In the
kitchen pantry CORRECT ANSWER: C. In locked, labeled containers away from
residents Rationale: Cleaning supplies and hazardous materials must be stored safely
out of reach.
Question 23: What is required for fire safety in a PCH? A. Fire extinguishers and
smoke detectors B. A fire pole C. Fireproof clothing for residents D. A helicopter landing
pad CORRECT ANSWER: A. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors Rationale: The
facility must have functioning smoke detectors, fire alarms, and extinguishers.
Question 24: How often must fire drills be conducted? A. Once a year B. Monthly on
each shift C. Only when the inspector visits D. Never CORRECT ANSWER: B. Monthly
on each shift Rationale: Fire drills must be conducted monthly on each shift to ensure
staff and resident safety.
Question 25: What must be posted in a prominent location in the PCH? A. The
administrator's resume B. The facility's license and inspection reports C. The menu for
the week D. The staff break schedule CORRECT ANSWER: B. The facility's license and
inspection reports Rationale: The current license and recent inspection reports must
be visible to residents and visitors.
Question 26: What is the primary goal of infection control in a PCH? A. To eliminate
all bacteria B. To prevent the spread of infections C. To use antibiotics daily D. To isolate
all residents CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent the spread of infections Rationale:
Infection control practices aim to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases.
Question 27: When must staff wash their hands? A. Only when they look dirty B.
Before and after resident contact C. Once a day D. Only before eating CORRECT
ANSWER: B. Before and after resident contact Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical
before and after contact with residents to prevent infection.
Question 28: How should linens be handled if soiled? A. Shaken in the hallway B.
Placed in a designated leak-proof container C. Washed in the resident's room D. Thrown
in the regular trash CORRECT ANSWER: B. Placed in a designated leak-proof
