PCA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PCA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After completing a transfer, the PCA should document: → The type of transfer, level of assistance required, and any patient complaints
2. A PCA discovers they have an open, draining sore on their hand. What should they do? → Report it to their supervisor before providing any client care
3. Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer health coverage or face a penalty under which provision? → Employer Shared Responsibility provision
4. Which PPE should a PCA always wear when performing perineal care? → Gloves and gown if splashing is likely
5. When lowering a patient to bed using a mechanical lift, the PCA should stop and check if: → The sling begins to twist or the patient expresses discomfort
6. Early signs of a Stage 1 pressure injury include: → Non-blanchable redness on intact skin
7. A client's dentures should be stored when not in use in: → A labeled container of water or denture solution
8. A client begins having a seizure. Which action is CORRECT during the seizure? → Clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure duration
9. How should a PCA handle a client's dentures when they are not in the client's mouth? → Store them in cool water or denture solution to prevent warping
10. How long should a PCA scrub their hands with soap and water to effectively remove pathogens? → 20 seconds
11. A PCA is helping a client with denture care. Which step is correct? → Rinse dentures in cold or lukewarm water after cleaning
12. An elderly client often forgets to drink fluids throughout the day. The best approach for the PCA is to: → Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day
13. An oral temperature reading is contraindicated in which situation? → Patient recently had oral surgery
14. What is the best way to communicate with a patient who has hearing impairment? → Speak loudly and slowly while facing the patient.
15. What is the typical consequence of a PCA failing the skills competency evaluation during training? → They are given remediation and an opportunity to retake the evaluation
16. Why is documentation important in Nutrition & Hydration? → It provides a legal record of care provided and ensures accurate patient information.
17. Which of the following client conditions requires contact precautions? → Scabies
18. How does Health & Safety Protocols impact patient outcomes? → It plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
19. When combing a client's tangled hair, the PCA should begin combing: → At the ends and work upward in small sections
20. A client has a Foley catheter. During perineal and catheter care, the PCA should clean the catheter tubing: → From the insertion site outward away from the body
21. Why is it necessary for a PCA to learn Assisting with Daily Living Activities skills? → It ensures that the PCA can provide effective care and improve patient outcomes.
22. A PCA discovers that a coworker has been stealing small items from a client. What is the correct response? → Report the misconduct to the supervisor immediately
23. How does Nutrition & Hydration impact patient outcomes? → It plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
24. When documenting a client's communication about pain, a PCA should: → Record the client's exact words in quotation marks along with observed behaviors
25. Which action helps prevent cross-contamination when cleaning a client's bathroom? → Using separate cloths or disposable wipes for the toilet and other surfaces
26. When measuring a patient's temperature orally, the reading is 101.5°F. What should the PCA do? → Report the elevated temperature to the supervising nurse promptly
27. Which of the following continuing education topics is most relevant to maintaining PCA qualifications over time? → Updates on infection control and client safety protocols
28. When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a car seat, the MOST important safety step is to: → Ensure the wheelchair is locked and the car door is fully open before beginning
29. A PCA notices the client's bathroom floor is slippery after bathing. What is the safest immediate action? → Dry the floor immediately and consider placing non-slip mats
30. Which behavior would a PCA MOST likely observe in a client during a manic phase of bipolar disorder? → Elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior