PSW Practice Test

12 – 30 Questions 13 min

This PSW practice test quiz targets NACC-style multiple-choice questions on client care, safety, infection control, communication, and documentation. Use it to assess how well you can apply Ontario and Canadian PSW standards in realistic scenarios. Healthcare students, PSW candidates, and working aides preparing for the NACC exam benefit most.

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Part 1 — Questions

Answer each question on paper. Do not turn the page until you are ready to check your work.

In routine PSW practice, when is handwashing with soap and water required to help break the chain of infection?

Before and after direct client contact
Once at the start and once at the end of the shift
Only when hands look visibly dirty
Only after removing gloves

Alcohol-based hand rub is not effective when hands are visibly soiled with dirt or body fluids.

True
False

A client accidentally knocks over a container and there is a small puddle of blood on the floor. What should you do first?

Place clean linens over the spill and remove them later
Tell the client to stay in bed and continue with other tasks
Walk around the spill until housekeeping arrives
Put on disposable gloves before starting cleanup

You discover smoke coming from a client's wastebasket in their room. According to common facility fire procedures, what is your first action?

Remove the client from immediate danger
Try to extinguish the fire with water
Pull the fire alarm immediately
Close the door and finish your current task

A client quietly tells you they are afraid of an upcoming procedure. What is the most appropriate response?

Tell them everyone has it done and they will be fine
Say you are not allowed to talk about procedures
Listen and ask, "Can you tell me more about what worries you?"
Change the subject to distract them from their fear

You are about to help a client from bed to wheelchair. Which body mechanics action is most important for protecting your back?

Keep your feet apart and bend at your knees
Stand with your feet close together and reach out
Keep your legs together and bend at your waist
Twist your upper body instead of moving your feet

PSWs are allowed to accept cash gifts from clients as long as they report them to their supervisor.

True
False

For a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough or speak, the PSW should start chest compressions on the floor as if performing CPR.

True
False

You are assisting a client with right-sided weakness to walk using a cane. For safest support, where should you position yourself?

Directly behind the client, holding the cane
On the client's weaker side, slightly behind, holding the gait belt
Directly in front of the client, walking backward
On the client's stronger side, slightly behind

10.

Your neighbor asks how her friend is doing in the long-term care home where you work. You care for that client. How should you respond?

Explain you cannot share any information and suggest she contact her friend or the nurse
Give general details because the neighbor is a close friend of the client
Share only positive news, since that does not harm the client
Refuse to answer now but discuss the client's status at a later social visit

11.

A confused client is refusing a morning bath, saying, "Leave me alone!" What is the most appropriate first response?

Leave the client without saying anything and chart refusal only
Pause, speak calmly, and ask what is bothering the client
Tell the client the nurse ordered the bath and it must be done
Call the family immediately to convince the client to bathe

12.

You have just finished providing care to a client on contact precautions for C. difficile. What is the most appropriate final step before leaving the room?

Remove gloves and use alcohol-based hand rub
Remove gloves and wash hands with soap and water
Keep gloves on to push the wheelchair to the hallway sink
Remove gloves after leaving the room, then use hand rub

13.

A nurse tells you to perform a procedure you have not been trained to do. What is the best response?

Ask a coworker to do it and do not tell the nurse
Watch an online video and then perform the procedure
Try your best so you do not appear uncooperative
Explain you are not trained and request guidance or reassignment

14.

When a client suddenly reports new chest pain, the PSW should stay with the client and immediately notify the nurse.

True
False

15.

Which PSW actions help break the chain of infection during daily care? Select all that apply.

A.Keeping fingernails short and free of artificial nails
B.Recapping used needles after giving an injection
C.Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when contact with body fluids is likely
D.Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
E.Sharing equipment between clients without cleaning it if it looks clean

16.

You are caring for a client with hearing loss. Which techniques will improve communication? Select all that apply.

A.Stand behind the client so they focus on your voice only
B.Make sure the client's hearing aids are in and turned on
C.Reduce background noise such as TV during conversation
D.Face the client and speak clearly at a normal pace
E.Shout from the doorway so they can hear you better

17.

A family member is angry and loudly complains that their parent is "not being cared for properly." Which responses demonstrate effective communication by the PSW? Select all that apply.

A.Invite them to speak with the nurse for further discussion
B.Stay calm and listen without interrupting
C.Defend yourself by explaining how busy the unit is
D.Discuss details of other clients' care to show you are fair
E.Acknowledge their feelings and say you will report their concerns

18.

A client with diabetes becomes pale and shaky before lunch and says they feel "weak and funny." What is the best immediate action for the PSW?

Report to the nurse at once and stay with the client
Give the client an extra serving of dessert without telling anyone
Have the client lie down and check again in 30 minutes
Offer water and take the client for a short walk

19.

A client in bed suddenly begins to have a seizure. Which action should the PSW take first?

Place a spoon in the client's mouth to protect their tongue
Quickly sit the client upright in a chair
Try to hold the client's arms and legs still
Protect the client's head and move objects away from the bed

20.

While repositioning a client with a urinary catheter, you notice the drainage bag is hanging on the bed rail and the tubing is stretched tight. What should you do?

Secure the bag below bladder level and straighten the tubing
Leave it as is if urine is still flowing into the bag
Raise the drainage bag to the same level as the bladder
Clamp the tubing until the nurse can assess it

21.

You find a client on the bathroom floor who says, "I slipped." Which actions are appropriate for the PSW to take? Select all that apply.

A.Follow facility policy to complete an incident report
B.Move the client quickly back to bed to avoid embarrassment
C.Stay with the client and call for help using the call bell or alarm
D.Encourage the client to walk back to bed to keep them mobile
E.Observe for pain, bleeding, or obvious deformity

22.

A bedbound client is at high risk for pressure injuries. Which PSW interventions help protect the client's skin? Select all that apply.

A.Massage any reddened bony area until it blanches
B.Reposition the client at least every two hours as directed
C.Keep linens clean, dry, and free of wrinkles
D.Use a pillow to float the heels off the mattress when ordered
E.Check the skin during hygiene and report any open areas

23.

A client has a documented Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the care plan. The client stops breathing and a family member yells at you to start CPR immediately. What should you do?

Begin CPR until the nurse arrives and then stop
Follow the care plan, do not start CPR, and call the nurse right away
Start CPR because family wishes override written orders
Leave the room to avoid conflict and let the family decide

24.

Which of the following are key responsibilities of a PSW when documenting and reporting in the client record? Select all that apply.

A.Record care as soon as possible after it is provided
B.Report and document any unexpected changes in client condition
C.Use only approved abbreviations and clear language
D.Leave blanks in the record so the nurse can fill them in later
E.Change another worker's entry if you know it is wrong

25.

You are assisting a client to stand from a chair using a transfer belt. Arrange the following actions in the correct order.

Put these in the correct order (write 1–5 beside each):

____Ask the client to lean forward and push from the chair armrests
____On the count of three, straighten your knees to help the client stand
____Position the client's feet flat on the floor and your feet shoulder-width apart
____Explain the procedure to the client and ensure the chair is locked
____Apply the transfer belt securely around the client's waist

Part 2 — Answer key

Compare your answers after you have finished Part 1.

In routine PSW practice, when is handwashing with soap and water required to help break the chain of infection?
Before and after direct client contact
Alcohol-based hand rub is not effective when hands are visibly soiled with dirt or body fluids.
True
A client accidentally knocks over a container and there is a small puddle of blood on the floor. What should you do first?
Put on disposable gloves before starting cleanup
You discover smoke coming from a client's wastebasket in their room. According to common facility fire procedures, what is your first action?
Remove the client from immediate danger
A client quietly tells you they are afraid of an upcoming procedure. What is the most appropriate response?
Listen and ask, "Can you tell me more about what worries you?"
You are about to help a client from bed to wheelchair. Which body mechanics action is most important for protecting your back?
Keep your feet apart and bend at your knees
PSWs are allowed to accept cash gifts from clients as long as they report them to their supervisor.
False
For a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough or speak, the PSW should start chest compressions on the floor as if performing CPR.
False
You are assisting a client with right-sided weakness to walk using a cane. For safest support, where should you position yourself?
On the client's weaker side, slightly behind, holding the gait belt
Your neighbor asks how her friend is doing in the long-term care home where you work. You care for that client. How should you respond?
Explain you cannot share any information and suggest she contact her friend or the nurse
A confused client is refusing a morning bath, saying, "Leave me alone!" What is the most appropriate first response?
Pause, speak calmly, and ask what is bothering the client
You have just finished providing care to a client on contact precautions for C. difficile. What is the most appropriate final step before leaving the room?
Remove gloves and wash hands with soap and water
A nurse tells you to perform a procedure you have not been trained to do. What is the best response?
Ask a coworker to do it and do not tell the nurse
When a client suddenly reports new chest pain, the PSW should stay with the client and immediately notify the nurse.
True
Which PSW actions help break the chain of infection during daily care? Select all that apply.
Keeping fingernails short and free of artificial nails; Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when contact with body fluids is likely; Performing hand hygiene before and after client contact
You are caring for a client with hearing loss. Which techniques will improve communication? Select all that apply.
Make sure the client's hearing aids are in and turned on; Reduce background noise such as TV during conversation; Face the client and speak clearly at a normal pace
A family member is angry and loudly complains that their parent is "not being cared for properly." Which responses demonstrate effective communication by the PSW? Select all that apply.
Invite them to speak with the nurse for further discussion; Stay calm and listen without interrupting; Acknowledge their feelings and say you will report their concerns
A client with diabetes becomes pale and shaky before lunch and says they feel "weak and funny." What is the best immediate action for the PSW?
Report to the nurse at once and stay with the client
A client in bed suddenly begins to have a seizure. Which action should the PSW take first?
Protect the client's head and move objects away from the bed
While repositioning a client with a urinary catheter, you notice the drainage bag is hanging on the bed rail and the tubing is stretched tight. What should you do?
Clamp the tubing until the nurse can assess it
You find a client on the bathroom floor who says, "I slipped." Which actions are appropriate for the PSW to take? Select all that apply.
Follow facility policy to complete an incident report; Stay with the client and call for help using the call bell or alarm; Observe for pain, bleeding, or obvious deformity
A bedbound client is at high risk for pressure injuries. Which PSW interventions help protect the client's skin? Select all that apply.
Reposition the client at least every two hours as directed; Keep linens clean, dry, and free of wrinkles; Use a pillow to float the heels off the mattress when ordered; Check the skin during hygiene and report any open areas
A client has a documented Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the care plan. The client stops breathing and a family member yells at you to start CPR immediately. What should you do?
Follow the care plan, do not start CPR, and call the nurse right away
Which of the following are key responsibilities of a PSW when documenting and reporting in the client record? Select all that apply.
Record care as soon as possible after it is provided; Report and document any unexpected changes in client condition; Use only approved abbreviations and clear language
You are assisting a client to stand from a chair using a transfer belt. Arrange the following actions in the correct order.
Correct order: Explain the procedure to the client and ensure the chair is locked → Apply the transfer belt securely around the client's waist → Position the client's feet flat on the floor and your feet shoulder-width apart → Ask the client to lean forward and push from the chair armrests → On the count of three, straighten your knees to help the client stand

1In routine PSW practice, when is handwashing with soap and water required to help break the chain of infection?

2Alcohol-based hand rub is not effective when hands are visibly soiled with dirt or body fluids.

True / False

3A client accidentally knocks over a container and there is a small puddle of blood on the floor. What should you do first?

4You discover smoke coming from a client's wastebasket in their room. According to common facility fire procedures, what is your first action?

5A client quietly tells you they are afraid of an upcoming procedure. What is the most appropriate response?

6You are about to help a client from bed to wheelchair. Which body mechanics action is most important for protecting your back?

7PSWs are allowed to accept cash gifts from clients as long as they report them to their supervisor.

True / False

8For a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough or speak, the PSW should start chest compressions on the floor as if performing CPR.

True / False

9You are assisting a client with right-sided weakness to walk using a cane. For safest support, where should you position yourself?

10Your neighbor asks how her friend is doing in the long-term care home where you work. You care for that client. How should you respond?

11A confused client is refusing a morning bath, saying, "Leave me alone!" What is the most appropriate first response?

12You have just finished providing care to a client on contact precautions for C. difficile. What is the most appropriate final step before leaving the room?

13A nurse tells you to perform a procedure you have not been trained to do. What is the best response?

14When a client suddenly reports new chest pain, the PSW should stay with the client and immediately notify the nurse.

True / False

15Which PSW actions help break the chain of infection during daily care? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

16You are caring for a client with hearing loss. Which techniques will improve communication? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

17A family member is angry and loudly complains that their parent is "not being cared for properly." Which responses demonstrate effective communication by the PSW? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

18A client with diabetes becomes pale and shaky before lunch and says they feel "weak and funny." What is the best immediate action for the PSW?

19A client in bed suddenly begins to have a seizure. Which action should the PSW take first?

20While repositioning a client with a urinary catheter, you notice the drainage bag is hanging on the bed rail and the tubing is stretched tight. What should you do?

21You find a client on the bathroom floor who says, "I slipped." Which actions are appropriate for the PSW to take? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

22A bedbound client is at high risk for pressure injuries. Which PSW interventions help protect the client's skin? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

23A client has a documented Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the care plan. The client stops breathing and a family member yells at you to start CPR immediately. What should you do?

24Which of the following are key responsibilities of a PSW when documenting and reporting in the client record? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

25You are assisting a client to stand from a chair using a transfer belt. Arrange the following actions in the correct order.

Put in order

1Ask the client to lean forward and push from the chair armrests

2On the count of three, straighten your knees to help the client stand

3Position the client's feet flat on the floor and your feet shoulder-width apart

4Explain the procedure to the client and ensure the chair is locked

5Apply the transfer belt securely around the client's waist

Frequent Errors on PSW NACC Practice Test Questions

Misreading Client-Centered Wording

Many PSW candidates focus on the task and ignore the client. They miss words like first, best, most respectful, or safest. Always ask which option protects dignity, independence, and safety before focusing on speed or convenience.

Ignoring PSW Scope of Practice

A common mistake is choosing options that belong to the nurse, such as assessing, diagnosing, or changing care plans. On PSW exam questions, the correct answer usually keeps you within the PSW role. Look for actions like reporting, observing, documenting, or performing assigned care, not making clinical decisions.

Underestimating Safety and Infection Control

Test takers often overlook basic safety steps in a hurry. They skip checking identity, raising side rails when required, locking wheelchairs, or doing hand hygiene before and after contact. On NACC-style questions, if an option protects safety or infection control, it is often the best answer.

Choosing What You Would Do at Work, Not What the Exam Expects

Facility shortcuts or “how we really do it” can conflict with textbook standards. The PSW exam expects guideline-based care. Answer according to taught procedures, rights legislation, and standard precautions, not rushed real-world habits.

Weak Use of Communication Skills

Candidates sometimes forget therapeutic communication. They pick answers that lecture, argue, or rush the client. Correct PSW exam options usually include active listening, simple language, offering choices, validating feelings, and reporting serious concerns to the nurse.

PSW NACC Exam Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

How to Use This PSW Cheat Sheet

Use this sheet to review before a PSW or NACC-style exam. Focus on principles, not memorizing single questions. You can print or save this page as a PDF for offline study.

PSW Role and Scope

PSW responsibilities: Personal care, ADLs, mobility assistance, comfort measures, basic observation, and reporting.
Outside scope: Diagnosing, interpreting lab results, changing care plans, accepting verbal medication orders, or sharing your own medical opinions.
Key rule: Observe, record, report. When unsure, follow the care plan and notify the nurse.

Client Rights and Ethics

Respect autonomy. Offer choices whenever safe.
Maintain privacy. Close doors and curtains, cover the client, limit exposure.
Obtain consent before care. Explain who you are and what you will do.
Maintain confidentiality. Discuss client information only with the care team.

Safety and Infection Control

Perform hand hygiene before and after each client contact.
Use PPE according to risk of contact with blood or body fluids.
Check ID bands, care plans, and transfer orders before moving clients.
Lock wheelchairs and beds before transfers. Use proper body mechanics.
Report hazards such as spills, broken equipment, or loose rugs immediately.

Communication and Documentation

Use clear, respectful language. Avoid arguing or giving false reassurance.
Document facts, not opinions. Include date, time, and your designation.
Report changes from baseline: mental status, vital signs (if assigned), pain, skin changes, intake or output.

Exam Question Strategy

Read the stem twice. Underline key words such as first, best, initial.
Eliminate answers that break safety rules, client rights, or PSW scope.
If two answers seem correct, pick the one that is safer and more client-centered.

Worked PSW NACC-Style Question Examples

Example 1: Safety and Scope of Practice

Question: A client who usually walks with a walker now says, “My legs feel very weak.” What should the PSW do first?

Help the client walk with close supervision.
Leave the client in bed and tell the family to watch them.
Assist the client to sit or lie down and report the change to the nurse.
Order a wheelchair for the client.

Reasoning: New weakness is a change from baseline. Safety comes before activity. The PSW cannot decide new equipment or tell family to supervise instead of staff. Helping the client walk could cause a fall. The best answer is option 3, which protects safety and respects PSW scope.

Example 2: Communication and Dementia Care

Question: A client with dementia is upset and says, “I have to go home to feed my children,” although the children are adults. Which response is most appropriate?

“Your children are grown up. You are confused.”
“You are in the facility now, so you cannot leave.”
“Tell me about your children. Then we can have a snack together.”
“If you do not calm down, I will call the nurse.”

Reasoning: NACC-style PSW questions expect validation and redirection. Option 3 acknowledges feelings and gently redirects with a comforting activity. Options 1 and 2 argue and can increase agitation. Option 4 uses a threat. The correct answer is option 3.

PSW Practice Test and NACC Exam FAQ

How does this PSW practice test relate to the NACC exam?

This quiz uses NACC-style multiple-choice questions that focus on client safety, infection control, communication, and PSW scope of practice. It will not duplicate the official exam, but it prepares you for similar wording, scenario style, and decision-making steps.

Are the PSW exam questions and answers exactly the same as on the real NACC exam?

No. Official NACC exam questions are confidential. Practice questions here are original items created to reflect the same competency areas and difficulty level. Use them to strengthen concepts and reasoning, not to memorize exact items.

How should I review answers after completing a PSW practice session?

Do more than check your score. For each missed question, identify the concept tested, such as safety, rights, or scope. Rewrite why the correct option is best and why each incorrect option fails. This method builds habits that transfer to new questions.

Can I use printed or PDF PSW exam questions and answers I find online?

Use caution. Unofficial PDFs may contain outdated or incorrect information, and some copies may violate exam security rules. Focus on trusted study materials that teach PSW standards, and use practice tests like this one to apply those standards ethically.

What is a good target score on PSW NACC-style practice tests?

Aim for a consistent score well above the minimum passing level used by most programs. Many candidates set a personal target in the mid-80 percent range on repeated practice sessions. This creates a safety margin for test anxiety and unfamiliar questions on the real exam.