PCA Emergency Response & First Aid

Question 1

When a client suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, what is the FIRST action a PCA should take?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 (or have someone else call) and begin CPR

Answer

Activating emergency services and starting CPR immediately maximizes the chance of survival for a client in cardiac arrest.

Question 2

A PCA notices a client has a small superficial cut that is bleeding. What is the appropriate first-aid response?

Accepted Answer

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gloved hand

Answer

Applying direct pressure is the standard first step to control minor bleeding and prevent infection.

Question 3

A client tells the PCA they are experiencing crushing chest pain radiating to their left arm. What should the PCA do?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 immediately and keep the client calm and still

Answer

These are classic signs of a heart attack requiring immediate emergency services; keeping the client calm minimizes cardiac stress.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct hand placement for adult CPR chest compressions?

Accepted Answer

Center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum

Answer

Compressions on the lower half of the sternum effectively pump blood from the heart to vital organs.

Question 5

A client begins to choke and cannot speak, cough, or breathe. What should the PCA do?

Accepted Answer

Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) immediately

Answer

Abdominal thrusts create upward pressure to expel a foreign-body airway obstruction in a conscious adult.

(PCA) Personal Care Assistant Practice Test