NACC PSW EXAM 2026/2027 –
COMPLETE 300 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
TEST BANK | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF CAREER COLLEGES PERSONAL
SUPPORT WORKER CERTIFICATION
PREP | ALREADY GRADED A+
SECTION 1: PSW Foundations, Role & Professionalism
(Questions 1-30)
1. What is the primary role of a Personal Support Worker (PSW)?
A. Diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing medications
B. Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare settings
C. Performing surgical procedures
D. Managing the healthcare facility's budget
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The primary role of a PSW is to assist clients with
activities of daily living (ADLs) and provide personal care, emotional support, and
assistance with mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and household tasks. PSWs do not
diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or manage facility budgets.
2. What does the acronym DIPPS stand for in the context of PSW practice?
A. Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences
B. Duty, Integrity, Patience, Professionalism, Safety
C. Dedication, Involvement, Punctuality, Perseverance, Support
D. Diagnosis, Intervention, Planning, Prevention, Supervision
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: DIPPS stands for Dignity, Independence, Individualized
Care, Privacy, and Preferences. These principles guide PSWs in delivering person-
centred care that respects each client's unique needs and values.
3. Which law ensures that every Canadian citizen has access to health care?
A. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
B. The Provincial Human Rights Codes
C. The Canada Health Act
,D. The Regulated Health Professions Act
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: The Canada Health Act is the federal legislation that
establishes the criteria and conditions for provincial and territorial health insurance
programs, ensuring that all residents have reasonable access to medically necessary
services without direct charges.
4. A client tells you, "I feel dizzy and my heart is racing." This is an example of:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. A nursing diagnosis
D. A care plan goal
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms reported verbally by
the client that cannot be observed or measured by the PSW. Objective data includes
observable, measurable findings such as vital signs or visible injuries.
5. You enter a room and find a client lying on the floor. What should you do
first?
A. Help the client stand up immediately
B. Check for injury and call for help
C. Leave to get a lifting device
D. Ask the client what happened
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The priority is to assess for injury and activate the
emergency response system before moving the client. Attempting to move a fallen
client without assessment could cause further injury.
6. A client suddenly grabs their chest and says it hurts. You should:
A. Give them water
B. Report immediately to the nurse
C. Help them walk to the bathroom
D. Ignore it if they have a history of anxiety
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sudden chest pain is a critical sign that requires
immediate reporting to a nurse or supervisor. It may indicate a heart attack or other
life-threatening condition.
7. A PSW is asked by a family member to change a client's wound dressing
using sterile technique. What is the appropriate response?
A. Perform the sterile dressing change as requested by the family
B. Explain that sterile dressing changes are outside the PSW scope of practice and
report the need to the nurse
C. Attempt the dressing change using clean technique instead
D. Ask another PSW to perform the sterile dressing change
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sterile procedures, including sterile wound dressing
changes, are outside the PSW scope of practice per NACC standards. PSWs may assist
,with non-sterile wound care under nurse delegation but cannot perform sterile
procedures.
8. A PSW observes a colleague taking photos of a client without consent and
posting them on social media. What is the PSW's obligation under PIPEDA?
A. Ignore the behaviour because the colleague is just having fun
B. Report the privacy breach to the supervisor immediately as it violates client
confidentiality and PIPEDA
C. Ask the colleague to delete the photos but do not report further
D. Take photos of the client yourself to show the colleague how to do it properly
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and
Electronic Documents Act), client photos are personal health information requiring
consent for collection, use, and disclosure. Social media posting without consent is a
serious privacy breach. PSWs have a professional and legal obligation to report
breaches.
9. A client tells a PSW they are being financially exploited by a family member.
What is the PSW's first action?
A. Confront the family member directly
B. Document the disclosure objectively and report to the supervisor immediately per
mandatory reporting obligations
C. Promise the client you will handle it yourself
D. Tell the client it is a private family matter
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Financial abuse of vulnerable adults is reportable under
provincial adult protection legislation. The PSW must document exactly what the client
said (objective, quoted language), avoid investigating independently, and report
immediately to the supervisor.
10. A PSW is feeling overwhelmed by the emotional demands of caring for
clients with dementia. Which self-care strategy is most effective?
A. Work extra shifts to avoid thinking about the stress
B. Access employee assistance programs, debrief with supervisors, practice
mindfulness, and maintain boundaries between work and personal life
C. Ignore the feelings because PSWs should not show vulnerability
D. Vent about specific clients to friends on social media
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: PSW burnout and compassion fatigue are occupational
hazards. Effective self-care includes utilizing organizational supports (EAP, clinical
supervision), peer debriefing, stress reduction techniques, and maintaining professional
boundaries.
11. A PSW is providing a bed bath to a client who is unconscious. What is the
MOST important consideration for the PSW?
A. Use warm water only.
B. Maintain client privacy and dignity while ensuring safety.
, C. Complete the bath quickly to minimize disturbance.
D. Bathe only the visible skin areas.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Maintaining privacy and dignity is paramount for all
clients, especially those who are unconscious and cannot advocate for themselves.
Safety includes frequent repositioning to prevent pressure injuries and monitoring for
signs of distress.
12. A client requires perineal care. The PSW should always perform this
procedure:
A. From back to front for all clients.
B. From front to back for female clients only.
C. From front to back for all clients.
D. In any direction as long as the area is cleaned thoroughly.
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Perineal care must always be performed from front to
back (urethra to rectum) for all clients. This technique prevents the transfer of bacteria
from the anal area to the urethra, which reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
13. A client with dentures is having difficulty removing them. The PSW's
priority action is to:
A. Apply firm pressure to release suction.
B. Use a denture removal tool.
C. Gently rock the dentures to break the seal.
D. Ask another PSW to assist forcefully.
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Gently rocking the dentures side to side loosens the
suction seal without causing injury to the client's gums or damaging the dentures.
Applying firm pressure or using tools can cause oral tissue injury.
14. Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) during a contact precaution procedure?
A. Mask, gown, gloves, eye protection.
B. Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves.
C. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection.
D. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The correct sequence for donning PPE is gown first, then
mask, eye protection, and gloves last. This ensures that the gloves cover the cuffs of the
gown, providing a secure barrier.
15. When assisting a client with feeding who has dysphagia, the PSW should:
A. Encourage large bites to speed up the feeding process.
B. Offer small, frequent bites and ensure the client is sitting upright.
C. Allow the client to lie flat during feeding for comfort.
D. Mix all foods together for easier swallowing.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Clients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) require
COMPLETE 300 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
TEST BANK | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF CAREER COLLEGES PERSONAL
SUPPORT WORKER CERTIFICATION
PREP | ALREADY GRADED A+
SECTION 1: PSW Foundations, Role & Professionalism
(Questions 1-30)
1. What is the primary role of a Personal Support Worker (PSW)?
A. Diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing medications
B. Providing personal care and support to clients in various healthcare settings
C. Performing surgical procedures
D. Managing the healthcare facility's budget
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The primary role of a PSW is to assist clients with
activities of daily living (ADLs) and provide personal care, emotional support, and
assistance with mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and household tasks. PSWs do not
diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or manage facility budgets.
2. What does the acronym DIPPS stand for in the context of PSW practice?
A. Dignity, Independence, Individualized Care, Privacy, Preferences
B. Duty, Integrity, Patience, Professionalism, Safety
C. Dedication, Involvement, Punctuality, Perseverance, Support
D. Diagnosis, Intervention, Planning, Prevention, Supervision
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: DIPPS stands for Dignity, Independence, Individualized
Care, Privacy, and Preferences. These principles guide PSWs in delivering person-
centred care that respects each client's unique needs and values.
3. Which law ensures that every Canadian citizen has access to health care?
A. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
B. The Provincial Human Rights Codes
C. The Canada Health Act
,D. The Regulated Health Professions Act
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: The Canada Health Act is the federal legislation that
establishes the criteria and conditions for provincial and territorial health insurance
programs, ensuring that all residents have reasonable access to medically necessary
services without direct charges.
4. A client tells you, "I feel dizzy and my heart is racing." This is an example of:
A. Objective data
B. Subjective data
C. A nursing diagnosis
D. A care plan goal
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Subjective data consists of symptoms reported verbally by
the client that cannot be observed or measured by the PSW. Objective data includes
observable, measurable findings such as vital signs or visible injuries.
5. You enter a room and find a client lying on the floor. What should you do
first?
A. Help the client stand up immediately
B. Check for injury and call for help
C. Leave to get a lifting device
D. Ask the client what happened
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The priority is to assess for injury and activate the
emergency response system before moving the client. Attempting to move a fallen
client without assessment could cause further injury.
6. A client suddenly grabs their chest and says it hurts. You should:
A. Give them water
B. Report immediately to the nurse
C. Help them walk to the bathroom
D. Ignore it if they have a history of anxiety
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sudden chest pain is a critical sign that requires
immediate reporting to a nurse or supervisor. It may indicate a heart attack or other
life-threatening condition.
7. A PSW is asked by a family member to change a client's wound dressing
using sterile technique. What is the appropriate response?
A. Perform the sterile dressing change as requested by the family
B. Explain that sterile dressing changes are outside the PSW scope of practice and
report the need to the nurse
C. Attempt the dressing change using clean technique instead
D. Ask another PSW to perform the sterile dressing change
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Sterile procedures, including sterile wound dressing
changes, are outside the PSW scope of practice per NACC standards. PSWs may assist
,with non-sterile wound care under nurse delegation but cannot perform sterile
procedures.
8. A PSW observes a colleague taking photos of a client without consent and
posting them on social media. What is the PSW's obligation under PIPEDA?
A. Ignore the behaviour because the colleague is just having fun
B. Report the privacy breach to the supervisor immediately as it violates client
confidentiality and PIPEDA
C. Ask the colleague to delete the photos but do not report further
D. Take photos of the client yourself to show the colleague how to do it properly
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and
Electronic Documents Act), client photos are personal health information requiring
consent for collection, use, and disclosure. Social media posting without consent is a
serious privacy breach. PSWs have a professional and legal obligation to report
breaches.
9. A client tells a PSW they are being financially exploited by a family member.
What is the PSW's first action?
A. Confront the family member directly
B. Document the disclosure objectively and report to the supervisor immediately per
mandatory reporting obligations
C. Promise the client you will handle it yourself
D. Tell the client it is a private family matter
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Financial abuse of vulnerable adults is reportable under
provincial adult protection legislation. The PSW must document exactly what the client
said (objective, quoted language), avoid investigating independently, and report
immediately to the supervisor.
10. A PSW is feeling overwhelmed by the emotional demands of caring for
clients with dementia. Which self-care strategy is most effective?
A. Work extra shifts to avoid thinking about the stress
B. Access employee assistance programs, debrief with supervisors, practice
mindfulness, and maintain boundaries between work and personal life
C. Ignore the feelings because PSWs should not show vulnerability
D. Vent about specific clients to friends on social media
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: PSW burnout and compassion fatigue are occupational
hazards. Effective self-care includes utilizing organizational supports (EAP, clinical
supervision), peer debriefing, stress reduction techniques, and maintaining professional
boundaries.
11. A PSW is providing a bed bath to a client who is unconscious. What is the
MOST important consideration for the PSW?
A. Use warm water only.
B. Maintain client privacy and dignity while ensuring safety.
, C. Complete the bath quickly to minimize disturbance.
D. Bathe only the visible skin areas.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Maintaining privacy and dignity is paramount for all
clients, especially those who are unconscious and cannot advocate for themselves.
Safety includes frequent repositioning to prevent pressure injuries and monitoring for
signs of distress.
12. A client requires perineal care. The PSW should always perform this
procedure:
A. From back to front for all clients.
B. From front to back for female clients only.
C. From front to back for all clients.
D. In any direction as long as the area is cleaned thoroughly.
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Perineal care must always be performed from front to
back (urethra to rectum) for all clients. This technique prevents the transfer of bacteria
from the anal area to the urethra, which reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
13. A client with dentures is having difficulty removing them. The PSW's
priority action is to:
A. Apply firm pressure to release suction.
B. Use a denture removal tool.
C. Gently rock the dentures to break the seal.
D. Ask another PSW to assist forcefully.
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Gently rocking the dentures side to side loosens the
suction seal without causing injury to the client's gums or damaging the dentures.
Applying firm pressure or using tools can cause oral tissue injury.
14. Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE) during a contact precaution procedure?
A. Mask, gown, gloves, eye protection.
B. Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves.
C. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection.
D. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: The correct sequence for donning PPE is gown first, then
mask, eye protection, and gloves last. This ensures that the gloves cover the cuffs of the
gown, providing a secure barrier.
15. When assisting a client with feeding who has dysphagia, the PSW should:
A. Encourage large bites to speed up the feeding process.
B. Offer small, frequent bites and ensure the client is sitting upright.
C. Allow the client to lie flat during feeding for comfort.
D. Mix all foods together for easier swallowing.
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Clients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) require
