NACC PSW EXAM-REVISED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
PLUS DETAILED RATIONALES 2027 | EXAM PREP |
DOWNLOAD INSTANT PDF 2027-2028
1. A personal support worker enters a client's room and finds the client lying on the floor
next to the bed. The client is conscious and reports feeling dizzy, but denies hitting their
head or experiencing pain. What is the immediate first action the worker should take?
A. Assist the client to a standing position immediately
B. Leave the client alone to find the nurse in charge
C. Stay with the client, assess for immediate danger, and call for help without moving the client
D. Administer prescribed pain medication from the nightstand
Answer: C
Remaining with the client and calling for help ensures safety while preventing potential
further injury that could occur from moving someone who may have sustained an unassessed
trauma or postural drop.
2. While providing personal care to an older adult client with moderate dementia, the client
suddenly becomes verbally aggressive and attempts to strike the support worker. What is
the most appropriate initial response?
A. Raise your voice to establish authority and demand cooperation
B. Step back, maintain a calm, non-threatening posture, and use a soothing, low-pitched tone of
voice
C. Immediately restrain the client's hands to protect yourself
D. Walk out of the room and refuse to return for the remainder of the shift
Answer: B
Stepping back and using a calm, non-threatening approach reduces agitation and de-escalates
responsive behaviors associated with dementia without provoking further defensive reactions.
3. A support worker is assigned to measure the vital signs of a client recovering from
surgery. The client's oral temperature reads 38.8 degrees Celsius. How should the worker
interpret and act on this finding?
A. Document it as a normal resting temperature and take no action
, B. Recognize this as an elevated temperature (fever) and report it promptly to the supervising
nurse
C. Submerge the client in cold water to rapidly lower the temperature
D. Wait four hours to see if the temperature normalizes on its own
Answer: B
An oral reading of 38.8 degrees Celsius indicates a fever, which often signals an underlying
infection or post-surgical complication that requires immediate clinical notification.
4. When assisting a client with left-sided weakness following a cerebrovascular accident
(stroke) to transfer from a bed to a wheelchair, on which side should the wheelchair be
positioned?
A. The left side (weak side) to force the client to use that leg
B. Directly at the foot of the bed facing away
C. The right side (strong side) so the client can lead with their stronger side during the pivot
transfer
D. It does not matter which side the wheelchair is placed
Answer: C
Positioning the wheelchair on the client's strong side allows them to weight-bear and pivot
using their stronger limbs, maximizing safety and stability during the transfer.
5. A support worker notices a red, unbroken area of skin over a client's sacrum that does
not turn white (blanch) when pressed. What stage of pressure injury does this represent?
A. Stage 1 pressure injury
B. Stage 2 pressure injury
C. Stage 3 pressure injury
D. Unstageable pressure injury
Answer: A
,A Stage 1 pressure injury is characterized by intact skin with non-blanching erythema
(redness) over a localized area, typically over a bony prominence, indicating early tissue
compromise.
6. Which of the following best describes the principle of autonomy in healthcare settings?
A. The obligation of the healthcare provider to do good for the client
B. The client's right to make their own choices and decisions regarding their care and treatment
C. The requirement to treat all clients fairly and equitably
D. The duty to keep all client information strictly confidential
Answer: B
Autonomy honors the moral and legal right of competent individuals to self-determine their
healthcare choices, free from coercion or undue influence by caregivers.
7. When performing routine mouth care for an unconscious client, what is the critical
safety positioning measure to prevent aspiration?
A. Position the client flat on their back with the chin pointed upward
B. Turn the client's head strictly to one side or position them in a side-lying recovery position
C. Have the client sit upright in a chair unsupported
D. Tilt the client's head backward at a 45-degree angle
Answer: B
Turning an unconscious client onto their side or turning their head to the side allows oral
fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth by gravity rather than pooling in the pharynx
and entering the airway.
8. A client expresses feelings of overwhelming sadness, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep
patterns lasting for several weeks following the loss of a spouse. How should the support
worker best respond?
A. Tell the client to snap out of it and focus on positive thoughts
B. Ignore the comments because grief is outside the scope of care
C. Listen empathetically, offer supportive presence, and report these observations to the
supervisor or nursing team
, D. Prescribe an over-the-counter herbal supplement for mood
Answer: C
Empathetic listening validates the client's emotional experience while proper reporting
ensures clinical staff can evaluate for clinical depression and connect the client with
appropriate professional mental health resources.
9. Which of the following infection control practices is recognized as the single most
effective method for preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing sterile surgical gowns for all client interactions
B. Thorough hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
C. Disinfecting room floors twice per shift
D. Wearing heavy-duty utility gloves during medication administration
Answer: B
Proper hand hygiene mechanically removes or destroys transient microorganisms acquired
through contact with clients and environmental surfaces, halting cross-contamination.
10. When assisting a client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) during mealtime, which
practice should the support worker strictly follow?
A. Encourage the client to talk and laugh continuously while eating
B. Provide thin liquids such as water for all medication administration
C. Ensure the client is seated in an upright 90-degree position during meals and for at least 30
minutes afterward
D. Feed the client as quickly as possible to complete the meal on schedule
Answer: C
An upright posture utilizes gravity to direct food safely down the esophagus, while
maintaining that position post-meal minimizes the risk of silent aspiration and reflux.
11. A support worker is assigned to document care provided to a client in a long-term care
facility. Which entry demonstrates objective, professional documentation?
A. "Client was very difficult and refused to eat breakfast because they were in a bad mood."
PLUS DETAILED RATIONALES 2027 | EXAM PREP |
DOWNLOAD INSTANT PDF 2027-2028
1. A personal support worker enters a client's room and finds the client lying on the floor
next to the bed. The client is conscious and reports feeling dizzy, but denies hitting their
head or experiencing pain. What is the immediate first action the worker should take?
A. Assist the client to a standing position immediately
B. Leave the client alone to find the nurse in charge
C. Stay with the client, assess for immediate danger, and call for help without moving the client
D. Administer prescribed pain medication from the nightstand
Answer: C
Remaining with the client and calling for help ensures safety while preventing potential
further injury that could occur from moving someone who may have sustained an unassessed
trauma or postural drop.
2. While providing personal care to an older adult client with moderate dementia, the client
suddenly becomes verbally aggressive and attempts to strike the support worker. What is
the most appropriate initial response?
A. Raise your voice to establish authority and demand cooperation
B. Step back, maintain a calm, non-threatening posture, and use a soothing, low-pitched tone of
voice
C. Immediately restrain the client's hands to protect yourself
D. Walk out of the room and refuse to return for the remainder of the shift
Answer: B
Stepping back and using a calm, non-threatening approach reduces agitation and de-escalates
responsive behaviors associated with dementia without provoking further defensive reactions.
3. A support worker is assigned to measure the vital signs of a client recovering from
surgery. The client's oral temperature reads 38.8 degrees Celsius. How should the worker
interpret and act on this finding?
A. Document it as a normal resting temperature and take no action
, B. Recognize this as an elevated temperature (fever) and report it promptly to the supervising
nurse
C. Submerge the client in cold water to rapidly lower the temperature
D. Wait four hours to see if the temperature normalizes on its own
Answer: B
An oral reading of 38.8 degrees Celsius indicates a fever, which often signals an underlying
infection or post-surgical complication that requires immediate clinical notification.
4. When assisting a client with left-sided weakness following a cerebrovascular accident
(stroke) to transfer from a bed to a wheelchair, on which side should the wheelchair be
positioned?
A. The left side (weak side) to force the client to use that leg
B. Directly at the foot of the bed facing away
C. The right side (strong side) so the client can lead with their stronger side during the pivot
transfer
D. It does not matter which side the wheelchair is placed
Answer: C
Positioning the wheelchair on the client's strong side allows them to weight-bear and pivot
using their stronger limbs, maximizing safety and stability during the transfer.
5. A support worker notices a red, unbroken area of skin over a client's sacrum that does
not turn white (blanch) when pressed. What stage of pressure injury does this represent?
A. Stage 1 pressure injury
B. Stage 2 pressure injury
C. Stage 3 pressure injury
D. Unstageable pressure injury
Answer: A
,A Stage 1 pressure injury is characterized by intact skin with non-blanching erythema
(redness) over a localized area, typically over a bony prominence, indicating early tissue
compromise.
6. Which of the following best describes the principle of autonomy in healthcare settings?
A. The obligation of the healthcare provider to do good for the client
B. The client's right to make their own choices and decisions regarding their care and treatment
C. The requirement to treat all clients fairly and equitably
D. The duty to keep all client information strictly confidential
Answer: B
Autonomy honors the moral and legal right of competent individuals to self-determine their
healthcare choices, free from coercion or undue influence by caregivers.
7. When performing routine mouth care for an unconscious client, what is the critical
safety positioning measure to prevent aspiration?
A. Position the client flat on their back with the chin pointed upward
B. Turn the client's head strictly to one side or position them in a side-lying recovery position
C. Have the client sit upright in a chair unsupported
D. Tilt the client's head backward at a 45-degree angle
Answer: B
Turning an unconscious client onto their side or turning their head to the side allows oral
fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth by gravity rather than pooling in the pharynx
and entering the airway.
8. A client expresses feelings of overwhelming sadness, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep
patterns lasting for several weeks following the loss of a spouse. How should the support
worker best respond?
A. Tell the client to snap out of it and focus on positive thoughts
B. Ignore the comments because grief is outside the scope of care
C. Listen empathetically, offer supportive presence, and report these observations to the
supervisor or nursing team
, D. Prescribe an over-the-counter herbal supplement for mood
Answer: C
Empathetic listening validates the client's emotional experience while proper reporting
ensures clinical staff can evaluate for clinical depression and connect the client with
appropriate professional mental health resources.
9. Which of the following infection control practices is recognized as the single most
effective method for preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing sterile surgical gowns for all client interactions
B. Thorough hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
C. Disinfecting room floors twice per shift
D. Wearing heavy-duty utility gloves during medication administration
Answer: B
Proper hand hygiene mechanically removes or destroys transient microorganisms acquired
through contact with clients and environmental surfaces, halting cross-contamination.
10. When assisting a client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) during mealtime, which
practice should the support worker strictly follow?
A. Encourage the client to talk and laugh continuously while eating
B. Provide thin liquids such as water for all medication administration
C. Ensure the client is seated in an upright 90-degree position during meals and for at least 30
minutes afterward
D. Feed the client as quickly as possible to complete the meal on schedule
Answer: C
An upright posture utilizes gravity to direct food safely down the esophagus, while
maintaining that position post-meal minimizes the risk of silent aspiration and reflux.
11. A support worker is assigned to document care provided to a client in a long-term care
facility. Which entry demonstrates objective, professional documentation?
A. "Client was very difficult and refused to eat breakfast because they were in a bad mood."
