NACC PSW (Personal Support Worker) EXAM,PRACTICE EXAM AND STUDY
GUIDE NEWEST 2025/2026 ACTUAL COMPLETE 400 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED
A+
Question 1
Which of the following is the most important reason for a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to
perform frequent hand hygiene?
A) To keep hands soft and moisturized.
B) To remove odors from hands.
C) To prevent the spread of infection.
D) To comply with workplace dress code.
E) To save time during client care.
Correct Answer: C) To prevent the spread of infection.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the transmission of
microorganisms and controlling the spread of infection.
Question 2
A client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is at high risk for which complication?
A) Constipation
B) Dehydration
C) Aspiration
D) Skin breakdown
E) Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C) Aspiration
Rationale: Dysphagia significantly increases the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters
the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia.
Question 3
When assisting a client with ambulation who starts to fall, the PSW's first action should be to:
A) Try to lift the client back up.
B) Immediately call for help.
C) Gently lower the client to the floor.
D) Run to get a wheelchair.
E) Brace the client's head to prevent injury.
Correct Answer: C) Gently lower the client to the floor.
Rationale: The priority is to minimize injury to the client and the PSW. Gently lowering the
client to the floor in a controlled manner is the safest immediate action.
,Question 4
What is the primary purpose of a "care plan" for a client?
A) To list all the client's medical diagnoses.
B) To provide a standardized approach for all clients.
C) To outline the specific tasks and interventions to meet the client's individual needs.
D) To document the client's financial information.
E) To serve as a legal document for litigation.
Correct Answer: C) To outline the specific tasks and interventions to meet the
client's individual needs.
Rationale: A care plan is a written guide that specifies the client's identified needs, goals, and
the interventions (tasks and services) that the healthcare team, including the PSW, will
implement to help the client achieve those goals.
Question 5
Before providing personal care to a client, the PSW should always:
A) Ask the client to get dressed.
B) Explain the procedure and obtain consent.
C) Close the client's door without knocking.
D) Guess the client's preferences.
E) Administer pain medication.
Correct Answer: B) Explain the procedure and obtain consent.
Rationale: Respecting client autonomy requires explaining any procedure or care activity and
obtaining their verbal (or implied) consent before proceeding.
Question 6
Which of the following describes the ethical principle of "confidentiality" in client care?
A) Sharing client information only with their family members.
B) Discussing client details with colleagues during breaks.
C) Protecting the client's personal and health information from unauthorized disclosure.
D) Documenting all client information on social media.
E) Telling the client all details of their medical records.
Correct Answer: C) Protecting the client's personal and health information from
unauthorized disclosure.
Rationale: Confidentiality is the duty to keep a client's information private, sharing it only with
authorized individuals who need to know for care purposes.
,Question 7
A client reports persistent pain at a level of 7 out of 10. What is the PSW's appropriate action?
A) Document the pain level and wait for the next scheduled medication time.
B) Advise the client to distract themselves from the pain.
C) Notify the nurse/supervisor immediately.
D) Tell the client their pain is not that severe.
E) Administer an over-the-counter pain medication.
Correct Answer: C) Notify the nurse/supervisor immediately.
Rationale: PSWs do not administer medication, but they are responsible for reporting changes
in client condition, including severe pain, to the supervising nurse or appropriate healthcare
professional for assessment and intervention.
Question 8
When assisting a client with dressing, the PSW should generally start with the limb that is:
A) Stronger.
B) Weaker.
C) Dominant.
D) Non-dominant.
E) Injured.
Correct Answer: B) Weaker.
Rationale: When dressing, the clothing should be put on the weaker (affected) side first to
prevent overstretching or injury, and removed from the stronger side first.
Question 9
What is the most effective way for a PSW to prevent back injuries when lifting or transferring
clients?
A) Bending at the waist.
B) Keeping the client at arm's length.
C) Using proper body mechanics and assistive devices.
D) Relying solely on upper body strength.
E) Performing all transfers alone.
Correct Answer: C) Using proper body mechanics and assistive devices.
Rationale: Proper body mechanics (e.g., bending knees, keeping the back straight, using leg
muscles) and utilizing mechanical lifts or transfer belts are essential for preventing
musculoskeletal injuries.
, Question 10
A client with dementia becomes agitated during personal care. What is the PSW's best
approach?
A) Force the care to be completed quickly.
B) Argue with the client.
C) Speak calmly, simplify instructions, and try again later if possible.
D) Leave the client alone immediately.
E) Restrain the client.
Correct Answer: C) Speak calmly, simplify instructions, and try again later if
possible.
Rationale: For clients with dementia, a calm, reassuring approach, simplified communication,
and sometimes pausing or postponing care can help de-escalate agitation.
Question 11
Which of the following is a common sign of dehydration in an elderly client?
A) Increased urine output.
B) Swelling in the ankles.
C) Dry mouth and cracked lips.
D) Bounding pulse.
E) High blood pressure.
Correct Answer: C) Dry mouth and cracked lips.
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes, cracked lips, decreased skin turgor, and concentrated
urine are common signs of dehydration.
Question 12
When assisting a client who is visually impaired with ambulation, the PSW should:
A) Walk behind the client and push.
B) Walk slightly ahead of the client, allowing them to hold the PSW's arm.
C) Tell the client to follow the sound of the PSW's voice.
D) Walk beside the client, holding their hand tightly.
E) Use a cane to guide the client.
Correct Answer: B) Walk slightly ahead of the client, allowing them to hold the
PSW's arm.
Rationale: The PSW should position themselves slightly ahead, allowing the client to hold their
arm (e.g., just above the elbow), so the client can feel the PSW's movements and anticipate
obstacles.
GUIDE NEWEST 2025/2026 ACTUAL COMPLETE 400 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED
A+
Question 1
Which of the following is the most important reason for a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to
perform frequent hand hygiene?
A) To keep hands soft and moisturized.
B) To remove odors from hands.
C) To prevent the spread of infection.
D) To comply with workplace dress code.
E) To save time during client care.
Correct Answer: C) To prevent the spread of infection.
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the transmission of
microorganisms and controlling the spread of infection.
Question 2
A client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is at high risk for which complication?
A) Constipation
B) Dehydration
C) Aspiration
D) Skin breakdown
E) Urinary tract infection
Correct Answer: C) Aspiration
Rationale: Dysphagia significantly increases the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters
the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia.
Question 3
When assisting a client with ambulation who starts to fall, the PSW's first action should be to:
A) Try to lift the client back up.
B) Immediately call for help.
C) Gently lower the client to the floor.
D) Run to get a wheelchair.
E) Brace the client's head to prevent injury.
Correct Answer: C) Gently lower the client to the floor.
Rationale: The priority is to minimize injury to the client and the PSW. Gently lowering the
client to the floor in a controlled manner is the safest immediate action.
,Question 4
What is the primary purpose of a "care plan" for a client?
A) To list all the client's medical diagnoses.
B) To provide a standardized approach for all clients.
C) To outline the specific tasks and interventions to meet the client's individual needs.
D) To document the client's financial information.
E) To serve as a legal document for litigation.
Correct Answer: C) To outline the specific tasks and interventions to meet the
client's individual needs.
Rationale: A care plan is a written guide that specifies the client's identified needs, goals, and
the interventions (tasks and services) that the healthcare team, including the PSW, will
implement to help the client achieve those goals.
Question 5
Before providing personal care to a client, the PSW should always:
A) Ask the client to get dressed.
B) Explain the procedure and obtain consent.
C) Close the client's door without knocking.
D) Guess the client's preferences.
E) Administer pain medication.
Correct Answer: B) Explain the procedure and obtain consent.
Rationale: Respecting client autonomy requires explaining any procedure or care activity and
obtaining their verbal (or implied) consent before proceeding.
Question 6
Which of the following describes the ethical principle of "confidentiality" in client care?
A) Sharing client information only with their family members.
B) Discussing client details with colleagues during breaks.
C) Protecting the client's personal and health information from unauthorized disclosure.
D) Documenting all client information on social media.
E) Telling the client all details of their medical records.
Correct Answer: C) Protecting the client's personal and health information from
unauthorized disclosure.
Rationale: Confidentiality is the duty to keep a client's information private, sharing it only with
authorized individuals who need to know for care purposes.
,Question 7
A client reports persistent pain at a level of 7 out of 10. What is the PSW's appropriate action?
A) Document the pain level and wait for the next scheduled medication time.
B) Advise the client to distract themselves from the pain.
C) Notify the nurse/supervisor immediately.
D) Tell the client their pain is not that severe.
E) Administer an over-the-counter pain medication.
Correct Answer: C) Notify the nurse/supervisor immediately.
Rationale: PSWs do not administer medication, but they are responsible for reporting changes
in client condition, including severe pain, to the supervising nurse or appropriate healthcare
professional for assessment and intervention.
Question 8
When assisting a client with dressing, the PSW should generally start with the limb that is:
A) Stronger.
B) Weaker.
C) Dominant.
D) Non-dominant.
E) Injured.
Correct Answer: B) Weaker.
Rationale: When dressing, the clothing should be put on the weaker (affected) side first to
prevent overstretching or injury, and removed from the stronger side first.
Question 9
What is the most effective way for a PSW to prevent back injuries when lifting or transferring
clients?
A) Bending at the waist.
B) Keeping the client at arm's length.
C) Using proper body mechanics and assistive devices.
D) Relying solely on upper body strength.
E) Performing all transfers alone.
Correct Answer: C) Using proper body mechanics and assistive devices.
Rationale: Proper body mechanics (e.g., bending knees, keeping the back straight, using leg
muscles) and utilizing mechanical lifts or transfer belts are essential for preventing
musculoskeletal injuries.
, Question 10
A client with dementia becomes agitated during personal care. What is the PSW's best
approach?
A) Force the care to be completed quickly.
B) Argue with the client.
C) Speak calmly, simplify instructions, and try again later if possible.
D) Leave the client alone immediately.
E) Restrain the client.
Correct Answer: C) Speak calmly, simplify instructions, and try again later if
possible.
Rationale: For clients with dementia, a calm, reassuring approach, simplified communication,
and sometimes pausing or postponing care can help de-escalate agitation.
Question 11
Which of the following is a common sign of dehydration in an elderly client?
A) Increased urine output.
B) Swelling in the ankles.
C) Dry mouth and cracked lips.
D) Bounding pulse.
E) High blood pressure.
Correct Answer: C) Dry mouth and cracked lips.
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes, cracked lips, decreased skin turgor, and concentrated
urine are common signs of dehydration.
Question 12
When assisting a client who is visually impaired with ambulation, the PSW should:
A) Walk behind the client and push.
B) Walk slightly ahead of the client, allowing them to hold the PSW's arm.
C) Tell the client to follow the sound of the PSW's voice.
D) Walk beside the client, holding their hand tightly.
E) Use a cane to guide the client.
Correct Answer: B) Walk slightly ahead of the client, allowing them to hold the
PSW's arm.
Rationale: The PSW should position themselves slightly ahead, allowing the client to hold their
arm (e.g., just above the elbow), so the client can feel the PSW's movements and anticipate
obstacles.
