1
NACC PSW EXAM 2026/2027 | Personal Support Worker
Certification | Complete Practice Exam & Study Guide | A+ Graded
Verified Answers | Pass Guaranteed
Section 1: Role of the PSW & Professionalism (Questions 1-20)
Q1. 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
B. Explain that sterile dressing changes are outside the PSW scope of practice and
report the need to the nurse [CORRECT]
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. The PSW
must advocate for the client by communicating the need to the appropriate
regulated healthcare professional.
Correct Answer: B
Q2. 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
,2
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
B. Report the privacy breach to the supervisor immediately as it violates client
confidentiality and PIPEDA [CORRECT]
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 to protect client
rights and organizational compliance.
Correct Answer: B
Q3. 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
B. Document the disclosure objectively and report to the supervisor immediately per
mandatory reporting obligations [CORRECT]
Rationale: Financial abuse of vulnerable adults is reportable under provincial adult
protection legislation and organizational abuse reporting policies. The PSW must
document exactly what the client said (objective, quoted language), avoid
investigating independently, and report immediately to the supervisor. Confronting
the alleged abuser or promising to handle it independently violates professional
boundaries.
Correct Answer: B
,3
Q4. 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
B. Access employee assistance programs, debrief with supervisors, practice
mindfulness, and maintain boundaries between work and personal life [CORRECT]
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.
Working excessive hours or suppressing emotions increases burnout risk. Social
media venting violates confidentiality.
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A PSW is asked by a client to purchase cigarettes and alcohol using the client's
money. What is the appropriate response?
A. Purchase the items because the client has the right to make their own choices
B. Refuse and report the request to the supervisor because PSWs should not facilitate
purchases that may harm client health or safety
C. Purchase the items but keep the change as a tip
D. Ask a family member to make the purchase instead
B. Refuse and report the request to the supervisor because PSWs should not facilitate
purchases that may harm client health or safety [CORRECT]
Rationale: While clients have autonomy, PSWs must maintain professional
boundaries and avoid facilitating activities that could harm the client or create
liability. The request should be documented and discussed with the supervisor and
care team to assess capacity, risks, and alternative approaches. Keeping client money
is theft and grounds for termination.
, 4
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A PSW notices bruises in various stages of healing on a client's inner thighs and
arms. The client appears fearful when asked about the injuries. What is the PSW's
priority action?
A. Assume the client is clumsy and document no concerns
B. Document findings objectively using a body map and report immediately to the
supervisor as suspected abuse
C. Ask the client repeatedly until they explain what happened
D. Confront the client's family member who visits most often
B. Document findings objectively using a body map and report immediately to the
supervisor as suspected abuse [CORRECT]
Rationale: Bruises in various stages of healing in non-bony areas (inner thighs, arms)
are a sentinel indicator of physical abuse. The PSW must document objectively (size,
colour, location, non-leading quotes), avoid interrogating the client, and report
immediately per mandatory abuse reporting protocols. Confronting suspected
abusers endangers the client and compromises investigation.
Correct Answer: B
Q7. Which statement best describes the PSW's role in advocacy?
A. The PSW should make all decisions for the client to ensure their safety
B. The PSW supports the client's right to self-determination, communicates client
preferences to the care team, and helps clients access information to make informed
choices
C. The PSW should only advocate for clients who are completely dependent
D. Advocacy is solely the responsibility of the nurse or social worker
NACC PSW EXAM 2026/2027 | Personal Support Worker
Certification | Complete Practice Exam & Study Guide | A+ Graded
Verified Answers | Pass Guaranteed
Section 1: Role of the PSW & Professionalism (Questions 1-20)
Q1. 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
B. Explain that sterile dressing changes are outside the PSW scope of practice and
report the need to the nurse [CORRECT]
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. The PSW
must advocate for the client by communicating the need to the appropriate
regulated healthcare professional.
Correct Answer: B
Q2. 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
,2
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
B. Report the privacy breach to the supervisor immediately as it violates client
confidentiality and PIPEDA [CORRECT]
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 to protect client
rights and organizational compliance.
Correct Answer: B
Q3. 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
B. Document the disclosure objectively and report to the supervisor immediately per
mandatory reporting obligations [CORRECT]
Rationale: Financial abuse of vulnerable adults is reportable under provincial adult
protection legislation and organizational abuse reporting policies. The PSW must
document exactly what the client said (objective, quoted language), avoid
investigating independently, and report immediately to the supervisor. Confronting
the alleged abuser or promising to handle it independently violates professional
boundaries.
Correct Answer: B
,3
Q4. 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
B. Access employee assistance programs, debrief with supervisors, practice
mindfulness, and maintain boundaries between work and personal life [CORRECT]
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.
Working excessive hours or suppressing emotions increases burnout risk. Social
media venting violates confidentiality.
Correct Answer: B
Q5. A PSW is asked by a client to purchase cigarettes and alcohol using the client's
money. What is the appropriate response?
A. Purchase the items because the client has the right to make their own choices
B. Refuse and report the request to the supervisor because PSWs should not facilitate
purchases that may harm client health or safety
C. Purchase the items but keep the change as a tip
D. Ask a family member to make the purchase instead
B. Refuse and report the request to the supervisor because PSWs should not facilitate
purchases that may harm client health or safety [CORRECT]
Rationale: While clients have autonomy, PSWs must maintain professional
boundaries and avoid facilitating activities that could harm the client or create
liability. The request should be documented and discussed with the supervisor and
care team to assess capacity, risks, and alternative approaches. Keeping client money
is theft and grounds for termination.
, 4
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A PSW notices bruises in various stages of healing on a client's inner thighs and
arms. The client appears fearful when asked about the injuries. What is the PSW's
priority action?
A. Assume the client is clumsy and document no concerns
B. Document findings objectively using a body map and report immediately to the
supervisor as suspected abuse
C. Ask the client repeatedly until they explain what happened
D. Confront the client's family member who visits most often
B. Document findings objectively using a body map and report immediately to the
supervisor as suspected abuse [CORRECT]
Rationale: Bruises in various stages of healing in non-bony areas (inner thighs, arms)
are a sentinel indicator of physical abuse. The PSW must document objectively (size,
colour, location, non-leading quotes), avoid interrogating the client, and report
immediately per mandatory abuse reporting protocols. Confronting suspected
abusers endangers the client and compromises investigation.
Correct Answer: B
Q7. Which statement best describes the PSW's role in advocacy?
A. The PSW should make all decisions for the client to ensure their safety
B. The PSW supports the client's right to self-determination, communicates client
preferences to the care team, and helps clients access information to make informed
choices
C. The PSW should only advocate for clients who are completely dependent
D. Advocacy is solely the responsibility of the nurse or social worker
