PCA Duties and Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client refuses to take a bath on the scheduled day. What is the best action for a PCA?
- Force the client into the bath for hygiene reasons
- Respect the refusal, document it, and report to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Skip bathing permanently to avoid conflict
- Call family members to force compliance
Correct answer: Respect the refusal, document it, and report to the supervisor
PCAs must respect client autonomy; refusals should be documented and reported to a supervisor.
Question 2: Which of the following is within the PCA's scope of duties regarding wound care?
- Changing sterile dressings independently
- Administering antibiotic ointment as needed
- Reporting signs of infection to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Debriding wound tissue as trained
Correct answer: Reporting signs of infection to a supervisor
PCAs are not licensed to perform wound care procedures but must observe and report any signs of infection.
Question 3: When assisting a client with ambulation, what is the PCA's primary responsibility?
- Walk ahead of the client to clear the path
- Carry the client to prevent falls
- Provide support and monitor for instability (Correct answer)
- Document every step the client takes
Correct answer: Provide support and monitor for instability
The PCA's primary role during ambulation is to provide physical support and watch for signs of imbalance or fatigue.
Question 4: A PCA notices a client's skin is red and broken down over the tailbone. What should the PCA do first?
- Apply petroleum jelly and reposition the client
- Report the finding to the supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Wait 24 hours to see if it improves
- Place a heating pad on the area
Correct answer: Report the finding to the supervisor immediately
Skin breakdown is a serious finding that must be reported to a supervisor promptly to prevent worsening pressure injuries.
Question 5: Which task is typically included in a PCA's home management responsibilities?
- Performing electrical repairs in the home
- Light housekeeping such as vacuuming and dusting (Correct answer)
- Deep cleaning and repainting walls
- Supervising other household employees
Correct answer: Light housekeeping such as vacuuming and dusting
PCAs commonly perform light housekeeping tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and laundry to maintain a safe home environment.
Question 6: A client asks the PCA to purchase lottery tickets with the client's money during a grocery run. What should the PCA do?
- Buy the tickets since it is the client's money
- Refuse and report the request to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Buy the tickets only if the client signs a note
- Ignore the request entirely
Correct answer: Refuse and report the request to a supervisor
PCAs should avoid non-essential financial transactions beyond approved shopping and must consult a supervisor about unusual requests.
Question 7: What does 'range of motion exercises' refer to in a PCA's care duties?
- Exercises that strengthen muscles beyond normal capacity
- Movements that keep joints flexible and prevent contractures (Correct answer)
- High-intensity aerobic workouts for the client
- Exercises performed only by physical therapists
Correct answer: Movements that keep joints flexible and prevent contractures
Range of motion exercises move joints through their full natural movement to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness or contractures.
PCA Duties and Responsibilities 2
A client refuses to take a bath on the scheduled day.
What is the best action for a PCA?