PCA Health and Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's medication is labeled 'PRN.' What does this mean for the PCA?
- Give the medication at the same time every day
- Give the medication only as needed, per the care plan (Correct answer)
- The medication is no longer active and should be discarded
- Give the medication whenever the client requests it without limit
Correct answer: Give the medication only as needed, per the care plan
PRN means 'as needed' and medications must only be given within the parameters specified in the authorized care plan.
Question 2: When documenting care in a client's record, the PCA makes an error. The correct way to correct it is to:
- Use white-out to cover the mistake and write the correction over it
- Draw a single line through the error, write 'error,' initial it, and add the correct information (Correct answer)
- Tear out the page and rewrite the entry
- Leave the error and add a note on a separate sheet
Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, write 'error,' initial it, and add the correct information
A single line through the error with initials and 'error' notation preserves the original entry and meets legal documentation standards.
Question 3: A PCA finds a client unconscious and not breathing. The first action is to:
- Begin chest compressions immediately
- Call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions (Correct answer)
- Reposition the client and check for a pulse
- Contact the supervisor and wait for instructions
Correct answer: Call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions
Activating emergency medical services immediately ensures that advanced care arrives as quickly as possible during a life-threatening emergency.
Question 4: Proper body mechanics when lifting include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Keeping the load close to your body
- Bending at the waist to reach the object (Correct answer)
- Using your leg muscles to do the lifting
- Keeping your back straight and core engaged
Correct answer: Bending at the waist to reach the object
Bending at the waist places extreme stress on the lumbar spine; PCAs should always bend at the knees to protect their back.
Question 5: A client tells the PCA they found a tick embedded in their skin. The PCA should:
- Remove the tick by twisting it counterclockwise with fingers
- Apply petroleum jelly to suffocate the tick first
- Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and report to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Leave it alone and monitor for 24 hours before acting
Correct answer: Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and report to the supervisor
Fine-tipped tweezers pulling straight upward without twisting is the recommended method to remove a tick and reduce disease transmission risk.
Question 6: Which of the following is the correct technique for removing contaminated gloves?
- Pull both gloves off at the fingertips simultaneously
- Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist, peel off, then use the ungloved finger under the second glove's cuff (Correct answer)
- Rinse gloves under water first, then remove
- Shake gloves off into a waste bin without touching them
Correct answer: Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist, peel off, then use the ungloved finger under the second glove's cuff
This technique ensures the contaminated outer surface never contacts bare skin, preventing transfer of pathogens.
Question 7: A client's care plan states 'weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT).' This means the PCA should:
- Never allow the client to place weight on the affected limb
- Allow full weight-bearing without any restrictions
- Let the client determine how much weight they can comfortably place on the limb during transfers (Correct answer)
- Use a wheelchair for all transfers regardless of client preference
Correct answer: Let the client determine how much weight they can comfortably place on the limb during transfers
WBAT means the client can put as much weight on the limb as they tolerate without pain, and the PCA supports that level of participation.
PCA Health and Safety Procedures 3
A client's medication is labeled 'PRN.' What does this mean for the PCA?