PCA Patient Observation & Documentation 2

Question 1

A patient's urine appears dark amber and has a strong odor. What should the PCA do first?

Accepted Answer

Report the observation to the supervising nurse

Answer

Unusual changes in urine color or odor may indicate dehydration or infection and must be reported promptly to the supervising nurse.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct way to document a patient's refusal to eat lunch?

Accepted Answer

'Patient refused lunch — stated not hungry'

Answer

Documentation must be objective, factual, and include the patient's own words when relevant, avoiding subjective or judgmental language.

Question 3

What does it mean when a patient's skin appears cyanotic?

Accepted Answer

The skin has a bluish discoloration indicating poor oxygenation

Answer

Cyanosis is a bluish tint to the skin or lips caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood and requires immediate reporting.

Question 4

A PCA notices a patient is having difficulty swallowing during a meal. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the meal and notify the nurse immediately

Answer

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a safety risk for aspiration and must be reported to the nurse immediately rather than managed independently.

Question 5

When documenting vital signs, a PCA records a blood pressure of 180/110. What should happen next?

Accepted Answer

Report it to the supervising nurse immediately

Answer

A blood pressure of 180/110 is critically elevated and must be reported to the nurse immediately for timely medical intervention.

(PCA) Personal Care Assistant Practice Test