PCA Competency Test (Georgia Exam) Questions and Answers
Number of Questions: 100
QUESTION 1:
Which of the following best describes the primary role of a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)?
A. Administering medications independently
B. Providing supportive care for daily living activities under supervision
C. Performing medical diagnosis
D. Writing care plans
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: PCAs assist with basic daily care—such as bathing, grooming, and mobility—under
the direction of a licensed professional.
QUESTION 2:
A PCA notices a client experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. What should the PCA do
first?
A. Ask the client to rest until feeling better
B. Call emergency services immediately
C. Offer milk or juice
D. Wait for the supervisor’s return
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Sudden chest pain and dyspnea are potential signs of cardiac distress—prompt
emergency assistance is essential.
QUESTION 3:
Confidentiality in healthcare mainly refers to:
A. Sharing client information only with authorized individuals
B. Keeping client information from family members always
C. Allowing open discussions with other staff in hallways
D. Posting progress notes outside the room
,CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: HIPAA regulations protect privacy by restricting client information disclosure to
those involved in care.
QUESTION 4:
When assisting a client with ambulation who is unsteady, the PCA should position themselves:
A. Directly in front of the client
B. Slightly behind and to the side, holding the gait belt
C. On the client’s weaker side, pulling the arm upward
D. Behind the wheelchair
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Proper ambulation support ensures balance and safety while preventing falls or PCA
injury.
QUESTION 5:
The most effective method for preventing infection transmission is:
A. Wearing gloves at all times
B. Using hand sanitizer occasionally
C. Proper and consistent hand hygiene
D. Using disinfectant sprays once daily
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Handwashing remains the cornerstone of infection prevention, eliminating most
pathogens.
QUESTION 6:
A PCA accidentally spills a cleaning chemical on their skin. What is the immediate action?
A. Apply lotion
B. Wash the area with running water for several minutes
C. Bandage the area tightly
D. Report only if pain occurs
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Immediate flushing dilutes chemical exposure, preventing burns and absorption.
, QUESTION 7:
What is the correct temperature range for a safe bath?
A. 80°–85°F (27°–29°C)
B. 95°–105°F (35°–41°C)
C. 110°–120°F (43°–49°C)
D. Any temperature tolerated by the client
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Temperatures between 95–105°F ensure comfort and safety without causing burns
or chilling.
QUESTION 8:
If a PCA suspects elder abuse, what is the correct action?
A. Ignore the situation
B. Report suspicions to the RN or supervisor immediately
C. Question the abuser directly
D. Wait until there is proof
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Georgia law mandates reporting suspected abuse promptly to protect vulnerable
adults.
QUESTION 9:
Before feeding a client, the PCA should first:
A. Check the client’s identification and position
B. Dilute all liquids
C. Serve food from a standing position
D. Give large bites quickly
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Ensuring correct identity and upright positioning prevents choking and aspiration.
QUESTION 10:
Number of Questions: 100
QUESTION 1:
Which of the following best describes the primary role of a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)?
A. Administering medications independently
B. Providing supportive care for daily living activities under supervision
C. Performing medical diagnosis
D. Writing care plans
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: PCAs assist with basic daily care—such as bathing, grooming, and mobility—under
the direction of a licensed professional.
QUESTION 2:
A PCA notices a client experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. What should the PCA do
first?
A. Ask the client to rest until feeling better
B. Call emergency services immediately
C. Offer milk or juice
D. Wait for the supervisor’s return
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Sudden chest pain and dyspnea are potential signs of cardiac distress—prompt
emergency assistance is essential.
QUESTION 3:
Confidentiality in healthcare mainly refers to:
A. Sharing client information only with authorized individuals
B. Keeping client information from family members always
C. Allowing open discussions with other staff in hallways
D. Posting progress notes outside the room
,CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: HIPAA regulations protect privacy by restricting client information disclosure to
those involved in care.
QUESTION 4:
When assisting a client with ambulation who is unsteady, the PCA should position themselves:
A. Directly in front of the client
B. Slightly behind and to the side, holding the gait belt
C. On the client’s weaker side, pulling the arm upward
D. Behind the wheelchair
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Proper ambulation support ensures balance and safety while preventing falls or PCA
injury.
QUESTION 5:
The most effective method for preventing infection transmission is:
A. Wearing gloves at all times
B. Using hand sanitizer occasionally
C. Proper and consistent hand hygiene
D. Using disinfectant sprays once daily
CORRECT ANSWER: C
RATIONALE: Handwashing remains the cornerstone of infection prevention, eliminating most
pathogens.
QUESTION 6:
A PCA accidentally spills a cleaning chemical on their skin. What is the immediate action?
A. Apply lotion
B. Wash the area with running water for several minutes
C. Bandage the area tightly
D. Report only if pain occurs
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Immediate flushing dilutes chemical exposure, preventing burns and absorption.
, QUESTION 7:
What is the correct temperature range for a safe bath?
A. 80°–85°F (27°–29°C)
B. 95°–105°F (35°–41°C)
C. 110°–120°F (43°–49°C)
D. Any temperature tolerated by the client
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Temperatures between 95–105°F ensure comfort and safety without causing burns
or chilling.
QUESTION 8:
If a PCA suspects elder abuse, what is the correct action?
A. Ignore the situation
B. Report suspicions to the RN or supervisor immediately
C. Question the abuser directly
D. Wait until there is proof
CORRECT ANSWER: B
RATIONALE: Georgia law mandates reporting suspected abuse promptly to protect vulnerable
adults.
QUESTION 9:
Before feeding a client, the PCA should first:
A. Check the client’s identification and position
B. Dilute all liquids
C. Serve food from a standing position
D. Give large bites quickly
CORRECT ANSWER: A
RATIONALE: Ensuring correct identity and upright positioning prevents choking and aspiration.
QUESTION 10:
