PCA Duties and Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's family member asks the PCA to share the client's medical information. What is the correct response?
- Share information freely since it is family
- Provide a summary but omit diagnoses
- Decline and refer the family member to the supervisor or agency (Correct answer)
- Share only if the family member is listed on the care plan
Correct answer: Decline and refer the family member to the supervisor or agency
PCAs must protect client confidentiality and direct all information requests to the supervising agency or care coordinator.
Question 2: Which observation should a PCA report to a supervisor as a potential sign of abuse?
- A client who sleeps more than usual
- Unexplained bruises or burn marks on the client's body (Correct answer)
- A client who requests more nutritious meals
- A client who watches television frequently
Correct answer: Unexplained bruises or burn marks on the client's body
Unexplained bruising or burns may indicate physical abuse and must be reported immediately per mandatory reporting obligations.
Question 3: When preparing a meal for a client, which factor should the PCA prioritize above all others?
- Making the meal as quickly as possible
- Following the client's dietary restrictions and care plan (Correct answer)
- Choosing the least expensive ingredients
- Preparing the largest portion possible
Correct answer: Following the client's dietary restrictions and care plan
Dietary restrictions outlined in the care plan (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, dysphagia diets) must be strictly followed to protect the client's health.
Question 4: A PCA is helping a client with denture care. Which step is correct?
- Clean dentures with hot water to sanitize them
- Rinse dentures in cold or lukewarm water after cleaning (Correct answer)
- Store dentures dry when not in use
- Use bleach to disinfect dentures daily
Correct answer: Rinse dentures in cold or lukewarm water after cleaning
Dentures should be cleaned gently and rinsed in cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can warp them.
Question 5: What is the PCA's responsibility regarding a client's medication?
- Administer any medication if the client is unable to self-administer
- Remind, observe, and document when a client self-administers medication per the care plan (Correct answer)
- Adjust doses if the client reports side effects
- Purchase over-the-counter medications independently
Correct answer: Remind, observe, and document when a client self-administers medication per the care plan
Unless specifically authorized, PCAs may only remind and observe self-administration; they do not administer medications themselves.
Question 6: A client becomes short of breath and complains of chest pain. What is the PCA's first action?
- Help the client lie down and apply a warm compress
- Call 911 immediately (Correct answer)
- Give the client water and wait for symptoms to pass
- Call the family before contacting emergency services
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately
Chest pain and shortness of breath are potential cardiac emergency symptoms requiring an immediate call to 911.
Question 7: How should a PCA handle a client's valuables discovered on the floor?
- Keep them safe in the PCA's bag until the client asks
- Return them to the client and document the incident (Correct answer)
- Leave them on the floor to avoid touching client property
- Give them to a family member for safekeeping
Correct answer: Return them to the client and document the incident
PCAs should return found valuables to the client immediately and document the situation to maintain transparency and trust.
PCA Duties and Responsibilities 3
A client's family member asks the PCA to share the client's medical information.
What is the correct response?