NACC PSW Exam Questions and Answers 2026/2027
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
NACC PSW Exam
Questions and Answers
2026/2027
Official Exam | A+ Verified
A+ Verified 2026/2027 Edition Passing Score: 75%
COVER PAGE - 1
,SECTIONS COVERED
Section 1: Role of the PSW, Professionalism & Communication (Questions 1-15)
Section 2: Safety, Mobility & Body Mechanics (Questions 16-30)
Section 3: Personal Care, Hygiene & Skin Integrity (Questions 31-45)
Section 4: Household Management, Nutrition & Meal Assistance (Questions 46-60)
Section 5: Client Conditions, Medications & Supportive Care (Questions 61-75)
NACC PSW Exam Questions and Answers 2026/2027
Official Exam | Personal Support Worker Certification | Application/Analysis Level
Each question is worth 1 mark. Total marks: 75. Passing score: 75% (57 correct).
Select the single best answer for each question. All questions are scenario-based.
SECTION 1: Role of the PSW, Professionalism & Communication
Q1
Q1. A personal support worker arrives at a client's home and finds the client's daughter demanding that the worker change the
client's prescribed medication schedule without consulting the nurse. The worker explains that medication changes require
direction from the regulated health professional. Which principle of the PSW role is the worker correctly applying?
A. Working within the defined scope of practice and seeking appropriate direction
B. Following family requests to maintain a positive therapeutic relationship
C. Making independent clinical decisions based on client preference
D. Documenting the daughter's concern without further action
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PSWs must practice within their scope and only follow medication-related directions from authorized regulated professionals.
Accepting family-directed changes or making independent clinical decisions exceeds the PSW role and can place the client at risk.
Q2
Q2. While assisting a client with morning care, the PSW notices a new bruise on the client's upper arm that was not present the
day before. The client becomes quiet when asked about it and looks toward a family member standing nearby. Which action
should the PSW take first?
A. Confront the family member immediately about possible abuse
B. Document the finding and report it according to agency policy
C. Ignore the bruise to avoid upsetting the family relationship
D. Ask the client again in front of the family member for clarification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Suspected abuse must be documented factually and reported through the proper chain according to agency policy and legislation.
Confronting family or questioning the client in their presence can escalate risk; ignoring the finding fails the duty to protect the client.
Q3
Q3. A client with limited English proficiency is becoming frustrated during a care discussion. The PSW does not speak the client's
language. Which approach best supports effective communication?
A. Speak more loudly and use complex medical terms for clarity
B. Use an approved interpreter service and simple, clear language
C. Rely on a family member who is present to translate everything
D. Continue speaking in English and assume the client understands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professional interpreter services protect privacy and accuracy. Family translation can introduce bias or omission. Speaking louder or
assuming comprehension does not overcome a language barrier and may increase frustration.
, Q4
Q4. A PSW is asked by a colleague to document a care task that the colleague did not complete. The colleague states that the
client was fine and the chart needs to look complete. Which response demonstrates professional integrity?
A. Document the task as completed to help the team meet documentation quotas
B. Refuse to falsify the record and report the request to the supervisor
C. Document only part of the task and leave the rest blank
D. Agree this once and remind the colleague not to ask again
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Falsifying documentation is unprofessional and potentially illegal. The PSW must refuse and escalate the request so that accurate
records and accountability are maintained. Partial or one-time compliance still constitutes falsification.
Q5
Q5. During a home visit the client begins to cry and shares that they feel lonely and worthless since their spouse died. The PSW
has a full schedule of other clients. Which response best balances empathy with professional boundaries?
A. Stay an extra hour beyond the scheduled visit to provide counselling
B. Listen supportively, acknowledge feelings, and report concerns to the care team
C. Change the subject quickly to avoid emotional conversation
D. Advise the client to stop dwelling on the past and stay positive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Supportive listening and reporting psychosocial concerns to the interdisciplinary team is within the PSW role. Providing formal
counselling exceeds scope; dismissing or minimizing feelings damages trust and misses an opportunity for appropriate referral.
Q6
Q6. A client refuses assistance with a bath that is listed on the care plan. The client states they feel too tired today. Which action
aligns with client-centered care and respect for autonomy?
A. Insist on completing the bath because it is written in the care plan
B. Respect the refusal, offer alternatives, and document the client's choice
C. Leave without documenting and return the next day as usual
D. Ask a family member to force the client to accept the bath
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse care. The PSW should respect the decision, explore acceptable alternatives if possible,
and document the refusal and any actions taken. Forcing care or omitting documentation violates rights and policy.
Q7
Q7. The PSW is assigned to a new client whose care plan includes assistance with transfers. The worker has never used the
specific mechanical lift listed on the plan. Which action is most appropriate before providing care?
A. Attempt the transfer using a method the worker already knows
B. Review the care plan, request training or demonstration, and seek supervision
C. Ask the client how the previous worker performed the transfer
D. Skip the transfer today and complete only non-mobility tasks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSWs must be competent in any equipment or procedure they perform. Requesting training or demonstration protects the client and
the worker. Improvising, relying solely on the client, or omitting required care creates safety risks.
Q8
Q8. A client asks the PSW to keep a secret about not taking prescribed blood-pressure medication. The client says the
medication makes them feel dizzy. Which response is ethically correct?
A. Promise to keep the secret to maintain the client's trust
B. Explain that safety concerns must be shared with the care team
C. Advise the client to stop the medication without telling anyone
D. Ignore the information because medication is outside the PSW role
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While confidentiality is important, information that affects client safety must be shared with the appropriate team members. Promising
secrecy about non-adherence can lead to harm. The PSW reports the concern; the regulated professional addresses the medication itself.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
NACC PSW Exam
Questions and Answers
2026/2027
Official Exam | A+ Verified
A+ Verified 2026/2027 Edition Passing Score: 75%
COVER PAGE - 1
,SECTIONS COVERED
Section 1: Role of the PSW, Professionalism & Communication (Questions 1-15)
Section 2: Safety, Mobility & Body Mechanics (Questions 16-30)
Section 3: Personal Care, Hygiene & Skin Integrity (Questions 31-45)
Section 4: Household Management, Nutrition & Meal Assistance (Questions 46-60)
Section 5: Client Conditions, Medications & Supportive Care (Questions 61-75)
NACC PSW Exam Questions and Answers 2026/2027
Official Exam | Personal Support Worker Certification | Application/Analysis Level
Each question is worth 1 mark. Total marks: 75. Passing score: 75% (57 correct).
Select the single best answer for each question. All questions are scenario-based.
SECTION 1: Role of the PSW, Professionalism & Communication
Q1
Q1. A personal support worker arrives at a client's home and finds the client's daughter demanding that the worker change the
client's prescribed medication schedule without consulting the nurse. The worker explains that medication changes require
direction from the regulated health professional. Which principle of the PSW role is the worker correctly applying?
A. Working within the defined scope of practice and seeking appropriate direction
B. Following family requests to maintain a positive therapeutic relationship
C. Making independent clinical decisions based on client preference
D. Documenting the daughter's concern without further action
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PSWs must practice within their scope and only follow medication-related directions from authorized regulated professionals.
Accepting family-directed changes or making independent clinical decisions exceeds the PSW role and can place the client at risk.
Q2
Q2. While assisting a client with morning care, the PSW notices a new bruise on the client's upper arm that was not present the
day before. The client becomes quiet when asked about it and looks toward a family member standing nearby. Which action
should the PSW take first?
A. Confront the family member immediately about possible abuse
B. Document the finding and report it according to agency policy
C. Ignore the bruise to avoid upsetting the family relationship
D. Ask the client again in front of the family member for clarification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Suspected abuse must be documented factually and reported through the proper chain according to agency policy and legislation.
Confronting family or questioning the client in their presence can escalate risk; ignoring the finding fails the duty to protect the client.
Q3
Q3. A client with limited English proficiency is becoming frustrated during a care discussion. The PSW does not speak the client's
language. Which approach best supports effective communication?
A. Speak more loudly and use complex medical terms for clarity
B. Use an approved interpreter service and simple, clear language
C. Rely on a family member who is present to translate everything
D. Continue speaking in English and assume the client understands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Professional interpreter services protect privacy and accuracy. Family translation can introduce bias or omission. Speaking louder or
assuming comprehension does not overcome a language barrier and may increase frustration.
, Q4
Q4. A PSW is asked by a colleague to document a care task that the colleague did not complete. The colleague states that the
client was fine and the chart needs to look complete. Which response demonstrates professional integrity?
A. Document the task as completed to help the team meet documentation quotas
B. Refuse to falsify the record and report the request to the supervisor
C. Document only part of the task and leave the rest blank
D. Agree this once and remind the colleague not to ask again
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Falsifying documentation is unprofessional and potentially illegal. The PSW must refuse and escalate the request so that accurate
records and accountability are maintained. Partial or one-time compliance still constitutes falsification.
Q5
Q5. During a home visit the client begins to cry and shares that they feel lonely and worthless since their spouse died. The PSW
has a full schedule of other clients. Which response best balances empathy with professional boundaries?
A. Stay an extra hour beyond the scheduled visit to provide counselling
B. Listen supportively, acknowledge feelings, and report concerns to the care team
C. Change the subject quickly to avoid emotional conversation
D. Advise the client to stop dwelling on the past and stay positive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Supportive listening and reporting psychosocial concerns to the interdisciplinary team is within the PSW role. Providing formal
counselling exceeds scope; dismissing or minimizing feelings damages trust and misses an opportunity for appropriate referral.
Q6
Q6. A client refuses assistance with a bath that is listed on the care plan. The client states they feel too tired today. Which action
aligns with client-centered care and respect for autonomy?
A. Insist on completing the bath because it is written in the care plan
B. Respect the refusal, offer alternatives, and document the client's choice
C. Leave without documenting and return the next day as usual
D. Ask a family member to force the client to accept the bath
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Competent clients have the right to refuse care. The PSW should respect the decision, explore acceptable alternatives if possible,
and document the refusal and any actions taken. Forcing care or omitting documentation violates rights and policy.
Q7
Q7. The PSW is assigned to a new client whose care plan includes assistance with transfers. The worker has never used the
specific mechanical lift listed on the plan. Which action is most appropriate before providing care?
A. Attempt the transfer using a method the worker already knows
B. Review the care plan, request training or demonstration, and seek supervision
C. Ask the client how the previous worker performed the transfer
D. Skip the transfer today and complete only non-mobility tasks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PSWs must be competent in any equipment or procedure they perform. Requesting training or demonstration protects the client and
the worker. Improvising, relying solely on the client, or omitting required care creates safety risks.
Q8
Q8. A client asks the PSW to keep a secret about not taking prescribed blood-pressure medication. The client says the
medication makes them feel dizzy. Which response is ethically correct?
A. Promise to keep the secret to maintain the client's trust
B. Explain that safety concerns must be shared with the care team
C. Advise the client to stop the medication without telling anyone
D. Ignore the information because medication is outside the PSW role
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While confidentiality is important, information that affects client safety must be shared with the appropriate team members. Promising
secrecy about non-adherence can lead to harm. The PSW reports the concern; the regulated professional addresses the medication itself.
