PAT I E N T C A R E A S S I S TA N T · P C A C E RT I F I C AT I O N E X A M I N AT I O N
PCA Exam
Complete 69-Question Practice Bank
Medical Terminology · Vital Signs · CPR · I&O · Safety · Abbreviations
C O M P RE H E N S I V E C OV E RAGE :
Dysphagia · Pulse Points · Intake & Output · CPR
— Restraints · Infection Control · EKG · Measurements
Edition 1 · July 2026 · Complete PCA Exam Preparation
★★★★★
Prepare · Pr act ice · Pa ss
Excellence in Patient Care Education
,PCA EXAM Q1-23 TERMINOLOGY & VITAL SIGNS
Questions 1–23: Medical Terminology, Vital Signs &
Assessment
1 Dysphagia refers to:
A Difficulty swallowing
B Difficulty speaking
C Difficulty breathing
D Lack of fluids
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty swallowing
RATIONALE
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is commonly confused with dysphasia (difficulty speaking) and
dyspnea (difficulty breathing). The suffix "-phagia" relates to eating/swallowing, while "-phasia"
relates to speech, and "-pnea" relates to breathing. PCAs must recognize dysphagia because these
patients require thickened liquids and special feeding precautions to prevent aspiration.
,2 Dysphasia refers to:
A Difficulty speaking
B Difficulty swallowing
C Difficulty breathing
D Swelling from fluid buildup
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty speaking
RATIONALE
Dysphasia results from damage to the language centers of the brain, often from stroke. Patients
may have trouble finding words, forming sentences, or understanding speech. PCAs should
speak slowly, use simple sentences, and allow extra time for the patient to respond.
3 Dyspnea refers to:
A Difficulty breathing
B Difficulty swallowing
C Difficulty speaking
D Elevated body temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty breathing
RATIONALE
Dyspnea is a subjective sensation of breathlessness that can indicate serious conditions including
heart failure, pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, or pulmonary embolism. PCAs should report
any new or worsening dyspnea to the nurse immediately, especially if accompanied by changes in
oxygen saturation or respiratory rate.
, 4 Dehydration is best defined as:
A Lack of adequate fluids in the body
B Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues
C Difficulty breathing
D Elevated body temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Lack of adequate fluids
RATIONALE
Dehydration occurs when fluid output exceeds fluid intake. Elderly patients are particularly
vulnerable due to decreased thirst sensation and medications that increase fluid loss. Signs
include dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, dark urine, poor skin turgor, and
confusion.
5 Aspirate means:
A Food or liquid enters the airways and lungs
B To urinate voluntarily
C To measure fluid intake
D To administer medication through a feeding tube
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Food or liquid enters airways/lungs
RATIONALE
Aspiration is a serious risk for patients with dysphagia, decreased consciousness, or neurological
conditions. It can cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially fatal condition. PCAs should ensure
patients are positioned upright (at least 45 degrees) during meals and for 30 minutes afterward.
PCA Exam
Complete 69-Question Practice Bank
Medical Terminology · Vital Signs · CPR · I&O · Safety · Abbreviations
C O M P RE H E N S I V E C OV E RAGE :
Dysphagia · Pulse Points · Intake & Output · CPR
— Restraints · Infection Control · EKG · Measurements
Edition 1 · July 2026 · Complete PCA Exam Preparation
★★★★★
Prepare · Pr act ice · Pa ss
Excellence in Patient Care Education
,PCA EXAM Q1-23 TERMINOLOGY & VITAL SIGNS
Questions 1–23: Medical Terminology, Vital Signs &
Assessment
1 Dysphagia refers to:
A Difficulty swallowing
B Difficulty speaking
C Difficulty breathing
D Lack of fluids
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty swallowing
RATIONALE
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is commonly confused with dysphasia (difficulty speaking) and
dyspnea (difficulty breathing). The suffix "-phagia" relates to eating/swallowing, while "-phasia"
relates to speech, and "-pnea" relates to breathing. PCAs must recognize dysphagia because these
patients require thickened liquids and special feeding precautions to prevent aspiration.
,2 Dysphasia refers to:
A Difficulty speaking
B Difficulty swallowing
C Difficulty breathing
D Swelling from fluid buildup
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty speaking
RATIONALE
Dysphasia results from damage to the language centers of the brain, often from stroke. Patients
may have trouble finding words, forming sentences, or understanding speech. PCAs should
speak slowly, use simple sentences, and allow extra time for the patient to respond.
3 Dyspnea refers to:
A Difficulty breathing
B Difficulty swallowing
C Difficulty speaking
D Elevated body temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Difficulty breathing
RATIONALE
Dyspnea is a subjective sensation of breathlessness that can indicate serious conditions including
heart failure, pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, or pulmonary embolism. PCAs should report
any new or worsening dyspnea to the nurse immediately, especially if accompanied by changes in
oxygen saturation or respiratory rate.
, 4 Dehydration is best defined as:
A Lack of adequate fluids in the body
B Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues
C Difficulty breathing
D Elevated body temperature
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Lack of adequate fluids
RATIONALE
Dehydration occurs when fluid output exceeds fluid intake. Elderly patients are particularly
vulnerable due to decreased thirst sensation and medications that increase fluid loss. Signs
include dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, dark urine, poor skin turgor, and
confusion.
5 Aspirate means:
A Food or liquid enters the airways and lungs
B To urinate voluntarily
C To measure fluid intake
D To administer medication through a feeding tube
CORRECT ANSWER
A — Food or liquid enters airways/lungs
RATIONALE
Aspiration is a serious risk for patients with dysphagia, decreased consciousness, or neurological
conditions. It can cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially fatal condition. PCAs should ensure
patients are positioned upright (at least 45 degrees) during meals and for 30 minutes afterward.
