PSW FINAL EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Question 1
If a client has a bowel movement in the bathtub during a bath, what is the support worker's first
action?
A) Immediately finish bathing the client to get them clean.
B) Scold the client for the accident.
C) Drain the tub, cover the client with a bath blanket, clean the tub, and then refill it to finish the
bath.
D) End the bath, dry the client, and report the incident to the supervisor.
E) Ignore the incident and continue with the bath.
Correct Answer: C) Drain the tub, cover the client with a bath blanket, clean the tub, and
then refill it to finish the bath.
Rationale: The priority is to maintain the client's dignity and hygiene. The contaminated
water must be drained. Covering the client prevents them from getting cold and provides
privacy. The tub must then be cleaned and disinfected before being refilled to complete the
bath in a clean environment.
Question 2
What is the correct and safe method for removing hardened secretions or stool from a client's
skin?
A) Use a rough washcloth to scrub the area until it is clean.
B) Apply unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to a damp cloth and gently dab the area.
C) Use hot water and soap to dissolve the hardened material.
D) Carefully scratch or pick off the hardened material with a fingernail.
E) Leave the material in place to avoid irritating the skin.
Correct Answer: B) Apply unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to a damp cloth and gently
dab the area.
Rationale: This method is the safest for the client's skin. The lotion or petroleum jelly helps
to soften the hardened material, allowing it to be removed gently without rubbing or
scratching, which could cause skin breakdown and injury.
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Question 3
A male client experiences an erection during perineal care. What is the most professional
response from the support worker?
A) Stop the procedure immediately and report it to the supervisor.
B) Make a joke to ease the tension.
C) Acknowledge it as a normal physiological response and continue the care in a professional
manner.
D) Scold the client for the inappropriate response.
E) Ask the client to take a cold shower.
Correct Answer: C) Acknowledge it as a normal physiological response and continue the
care in a professional manner.
Rationale: An erection can be an involuntary, normal response to touch in the genital area.
The support worker should remain calm and professional, protecting the client's privacy
and dignity. Continuing with the task in a matter-of-fact way is the most appropriate
action.
Question 4
A back massage is given to a client primarily to:
A) Treat skin diseases.
B) Diagnose back injuries.
C) Relax muscles and promote circulation.
D) Replace the need for pain medication.
E) Strengthen the back muscles.
Correct Answer: C) Relax muscles and promote circulation.
Rationale: The therapeutic touch of a back massage helps to relieve muscle tension and
stimulates blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, which promotes relaxation and
comfort for the client.
Question 5
For which of the following clients might a back massage be contraindicated or dangerous?
A) A client with anxiety.
B) An older adult who is frail.
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C) A client with a history of back surgery or certain heart diseases.
D) A client with dry skin.
E) A client with dementia.
Correct Answer: C) A client with a history of back surgery or certain heart diseases.
Rationale: A back massage may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical
conditions, as it could put stress on a surgical site, dislodge a blood clot, or affect
cardiovascular stability. The care plan must always be checked for contraindications.
Question 6
When providing perineal care, the support worker should always work from the cleanest area to
the dirtiest area. This means cleaning in which direction?
A) From the anal area to the urethral area.
B) From the urethral area to the anal area.
C) From side to side across the perineum.
D) The direction does not matter as long as soap and water are used.
E) From the buttocks to the perineum.
Correct Answer: B) From the urethral area to the anal area.
Rationale: This is a fundamental principle of medical asepsis. The urethra is considered the
cleanest part of the perineum, and the anus is the dirtiest. Cleaning from front to back
prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the anal area to the urethra, which could
cause a urinary tract infection.
Question 7
Which of the following should be reported to the supervisor after providing perineal care?
A) The client's skin is intact and has a normal color.
B) The client was cooperative during the procedure.
C) The presence of redness, swelling, or an unusual discharge.
D) The client stated they felt clean afterward.
E) The water temperature was warm and comfortable.
Correct Answer: C) The presence of redness, swelling, or an unusual discharge.
Rationale: Redness, swelling, discharge, irritation, and odors are all abnormal findings that
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could indicate an infection, skin breakdown, or another health problem. These objective
observations must be reported and documented.
Question 8
Why is good oral hygiene (mouth care) essential for a client's overall health?
A) It prevents bad breath only.
B) It can help prevent serious diseases like pneumonia and heart disease.
C) It is only necessary for clients who have their own teeth.
D) It is primarily for aesthetic purposes.
E) It helps to whiten the teeth.
Correct Answer: B) It can help prevent serious diseases like pneumonia and heart disease.
Rationale: Poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to grow in the mouth. These bacteria
can be aspirated into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. There is also a known link
between periodontal disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Question 9
For a client who is unconscious or NPO (nothing by mouth), how often should oral hygiene be
provided?
A) Once a day
B) Twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime.
C) After each meal.
D) At least every 2 hours.
E) Only when the mouth appears dirty.
Correct Answer: D) At least every 2 hours.
Rationale: An unconscious client is at high risk for a dry mouth and the accumulation of
secretions and bacteria. Frequent oral care (every 2 hours) is necessary to keep the mucous
membranes moist and clean, prevent infections, and promote comfort.
Question 10
Which of the following is a critical observation to report to the supervisor when providing oral
care?
A) The client's lips are pink and moist.
SOLUTIONS
Question 1
If a client has a bowel movement in the bathtub during a bath, what is the support worker's first
action?
A) Immediately finish bathing the client to get them clean.
B) Scold the client for the accident.
C) Drain the tub, cover the client with a bath blanket, clean the tub, and then refill it to finish the
bath.
D) End the bath, dry the client, and report the incident to the supervisor.
E) Ignore the incident and continue with the bath.
Correct Answer: C) Drain the tub, cover the client with a bath blanket, clean the tub, and
then refill it to finish the bath.
Rationale: The priority is to maintain the client's dignity and hygiene. The contaminated
water must be drained. Covering the client prevents them from getting cold and provides
privacy. The tub must then be cleaned and disinfected before being refilled to complete the
bath in a clean environment.
Question 2
What is the correct and safe method for removing hardened secretions or stool from a client's
skin?
A) Use a rough washcloth to scrub the area until it is clean.
B) Apply unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to a damp cloth and gently dab the area.
C) Use hot water and soap to dissolve the hardened material.
D) Carefully scratch or pick off the hardened material with a fingernail.
E) Leave the material in place to avoid irritating the skin.
Correct Answer: B) Apply unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to a damp cloth and gently
dab the area.
Rationale: This method is the safest for the client's skin. The lotion or petroleum jelly helps
to soften the hardened material, allowing it to be removed gently without rubbing or
scratching, which could cause skin breakdown and injury.
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Question 3
A male client experiences an erection during perineal care. What is the most professional
response from the support worker?
A) Stop the procedure immediately and report it to the supervisor.
B) Make a joke to ease the tension.
C) Acknowledge it as a normal physiological response and continue the care in a professional
manner.
D) Scold the client for the inappropriate response.
E) Ask the client to take a cold shower.
Correct Answer: C) Acknowledge it as a normal physiological response and continue the
care in a professional manner.
Rationale: An erection can be an involuntary, normal response to touch in the genital area.
The support worker should remain calm and professional, protecting the client's privacy
and dignity. Continuing with the task in a matter-of-fact way is the most appropriate
action.
Question 4
A back massage is given to a client primarily to:
A) Treat skin diseases.
B) Diagnose back injuries.
C) Relax muscles and promote circulation.
D) Replace the need for pain medication.
E) Strengthen the back muscles.
Correct Answer: C) Relax muscles and promote circulation.
Rationale: The therapeutic touch of a back massage helps to relieve muscle tension and
stimulates blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, which promotes relaxation and
comfort for the client.
Question 5
For which of the following clients might a back massage be contraindicated or dangerous?
A) A client with anxiety.
B) An older adult who is frail.
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C) A client with a history of back surgery or certain heart diseases.
D) A client with dry skin.
E) A client with dementia.
Correct Answer: C) A client with a history of back surgery or certain heart diseases.
Rationale: A back massage may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical
conditions, as it could put stress on a surgical site, dislodge a blood clot, or affect
cardiovascular stability. The care plan must always be checked for contraindications.
Question 6
When providing perineal care, the support worker should always work from the cleanest area to
the dirtiest area. This means cleaning in which direction?
A) From the anal area to the urethral area.
B) From the urethral area to the anal area.
C) From side to side across the perineum.
D) The direction does not matter as long as soap and water are used.
E) From the buttocks to the perineum.
Correct Answer: B) From the urethral area to the anal area.
Rationale: This is a fundamental principle of medical asepsis. The urethra is considered the
cleanest part of the perineum, and the anus is the dirtiest. Cleaning from front to back
prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the anal area to the urethra, which could
cause a urinary tract infection.
Question 7
Which of the following should be reported to the supervisor after providing perineal care?
A) The client's skin is intact and has a normal color.
B) The client was cooperative during the procedure.
C) The presence of redness, swelling, or an unusual discharge.
D) The client stated they felt clean afterward.
E) The water temperature was warm and comfortable.
Correct Answer: C) The presence of redness, swelling, or an unusual discharge.
Rationale: Redness, swelling, discharge, irritation, and odors are all abnormal findings that
, [Type here]
could indicate an infection, skin breakdown, or another health problem. These objective
observations must be reported and documented.
Question 8
Why is good oral hygiene (mouth care) essential for a client's overall health?
A) It prevents bad breath only.
B) It can help prevent serious diseases like pneumonia and heart disease.
C) It is only necessary for clients who have their own teeth.
D) It is primarily for aesthetic purposes.
E) It helps to whiten the teeth.
Correct Answer: B) It can help prevent serious diseases like pneumonia and heart disease.
Rationale: Poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to grow in the mouth. These bacteria
can be aspirated into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. There is also a known link
between periodontal disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Question 9
For a client who is unconscious or NPO (nothing by mouth), how often should oral hygiene be
provided?
A) Once a day
B) Twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime.
C) After each meal.
D) At least every 2 hours.
E) Only when the mouth appears dirty.
Correct Answer: D) At least every 2 hours.
Rationale: An unconscious client is at high risk for a dry mouth and the accumulation of
secretions and bacteria. Frequent oral care (every 2 hours) is necessary to keep the mucous
membranes moist and clean, prevent infections, and promote comfort.
Question 10
Which of the following is a critical observation to report to the supervisor when providing oral
care?
A) The client's lips are pink and moist.
