Part 1
A normal body temperature range can be much lower in older persons than it is in younger adults. What does this mean for you as a support worker caring for an older person?
(A): you need to use the night type of thermometer when measuring the temperature
(B): you need to report their temperature each time to make sure there is no issue
(C): you cannot measure the temperature orally (D): a client may have a fever when the body temperature seems to be within a normal range
(D) a client may have a fever when the body temperature seems to be within a normal range.
Explanation
Older adults often have lower baseline body temperatures than younger adults. This means:
A temperature that looks “normal” (e.g., 36.5°C–37°C) might actually be a fever for them if it is higher than their usual baseline.
Even a small rise in temperature can signal infection or illness in an older person.
Because of this, support workers must be alert to changes from the person’s normal temperature, not just the standard adult range.
Why the other options are incorrect
(A) Using a “night type” thermometer is not relevant.
(B) You do not need to report every temperature unless it is abnormal or a change from baseline.
(C) Older adults can have their temperature measured orally unless contraindicated
: Which of the following best demonstrates an example of prejudice?
(A): a group of popular kids at school ignores Jane completely because she is not part of their group (B): a group of popular kids at school treats Jane well even though she is not a part of their group
(C): a group of popular kids at school says unkind things about Jane in front of other students because she is overweight
(D): a group of popular kids at school excludes Jane because she was not born in Canada
(D) a group of popular kids at school excludes Jane because she was not born in Canada.
Explanation
Prejudice means forming a negative opinion or treating someone unfairly because of a personal characteristic, especially one they cannot change—such as:
Race
Ethnicity
National origin
Religion
Gender
Disability
Option (D) shows prejudice because Jane is excluded specifically due to her place of birth, which is a protected characteristic.
Why the other options are not the best example
(A) Ignoring someone is unkind, but not necessarily prejudice unless it’s based on a protected trait.
(B) Treating someone well is not prejudice.
(C) Saying unkind things because she is overweight is bullying, but not technically prejudice in the same sense as discrimination based on protected traits.
: If you are grabbed you should:
(A): Remain calm, stroke the person’s hand gently (B): Stiffen your limbs
(C): Use the person's name and ask them to let you go (D): Both a and c
(D) Both A and C.
Explanation
If you are grabbed by a client—especially someone who may be confused, frightened, or living with dementia—the safest and most effective responses are:
(A) Remain calm, stroke the person’s hand gently
Staying calm prevents escalation.
Gentle touch can reassure the person and reduce fear or agitation.
(C) Use the person's name and ask them to let you go
Using their name helps re‑orient them.
A calm verbal cue often works better than force.
Why not (B)?
Stiffening your limbs can make the situation worse.
It may increase the person’s grip or escalate their anxiety.
In a community setting, another title a supervisor may have is:
(A): director
(B): case manager
(C): administrator
(D): supervisor
The correct answer is (B) case manager.
Explanation
In many community care settings, the person who oversees services, coordinates care plans, and supervises PSWs may be called a:
Case manager This role often includes assigning tasks, monitoring care quality, and ensuring client needs are met.
Why not the other options?
(A) Director – A higher‑level administrative role, not typically the direct supervisor of PSWs.
(C) Administrator – Manages operations but is not usually the one assigning or supervising PSW tasks.
(D) Supervisor – This is the general term, but the question asks for another title a supervisor may have.
What does the abbreviation Dx stand for?
(A): director of nursing
(B): diagnosis
(C): dead or arrival
(D): discontinue
(B) diagnosis.
Explanation
Dx is a common medical abbreviation that stands for diagnosis, meaning the identification of a disease or condition based on signs, symptoms, and assessment.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Director of nursing → Abbreviated as DON, not Dx
(C) Dead on arrival → Abbreviated as DOA
(D) Discontinue → Abbreviated as d/c or DC
You have been assigned to take care of Mr. Roberts. You observed that he has bowel movements after breakfast, another in the afternoon, and also once before going to bed. How would you describe these bowel movements?
(A): Diarrhea
(B): Normal bowel movements '
(C): Aging
(D): Fecal incontinence
The correct answer is (B) Normal bowel movements.
Explanation
Having three bowel movements a day—after breakfast, in the afternoon, and before bed—can be completely normal, especially if:
The stools are formed
The client is not straining
There is no pain or urgency
This is consistent with their usual pattern
A “normal” bowel pattern varies widely from person to person. Some people go three times a day, others three times a week.
Why the other options are incorrect
(A) Diarrhea
Diarrhea involves loose, watery stools, often urgent and frequent.
The question does not describe this.
(C) Aging
Aging affects bowel habits, but it is not a description of the bowel movements themselves.
(D) Fecal incontinence
This means loss of control over bowel movements.
Mr. Roberts is having planned, controlled bowel movements.
What is the term for one of the A's of dementia that is a loss of memory?
(A): aphasia
(B): amnesia
(C): apraxia
(D): apathy
(B) amnesia.
Explanation
Dementia is often described using the “A’s,” which refer to different types of cognitive losses. Here’s what each option means:
Aphasia → difficulty with language (speaking or understanding words)
Amnesia → loss of memory
Apraxia → difficulty performing purposeful movements
Apathy → lack of interest or motivation
Since the question asks for the “A” that means loss of memory, the correct term is amnesia.
Suggestions to encourage Unconditional Positive Regard are:
(A): music
(B): pet therapy
(C): art
(D): all of the above
(D) all of the above.
Explanation
Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) means showing acceptance, warmth, and respect toward a person without judgment. To encourage this, we use activities that help people feel valued, calm, and connected.
All of the following can support UPR:
(A) Music Music can soothe, uplift, and help people express themselves.
(B) Pet therapy Animals provide comfort, reduce stress, and promote emotional connection.
(C) Art Creative activities allow self‑expression and build confidence.
Because each option helps promote emotional well‑being and acceptance, the best answer is
From which body location are PSWs not allowed to measure a client's temperature?
(A): oral
(B): rectal
(C): tympanic
(D): artillery
(B) rectal.
Explanation
PSWs are not permitted to take a client’s temperature rectally because:
It is considered an invasive procedure
It carries a higher risk of injury or infection
It requires clinical judgment and is restricted to nurses or regulated professionals
Why the other options are allowed:
(A) Oral → PSWs may take oral temperatures if the client can safely cooperate.
(C) Tympanic (ear) → PSWs can use an ear thermometer.
: Which regulated professionals have the ability to delegate tasks?
(A): RPN
(B): LPN
(C): RN
(D): all of the above
(D) all of the above.
Explanation
All of the listed professionals are regulated nurses who have the authority to delegate tasks to unregulated care providers such as PSWs, depending on provincial or state regulations:
(A) RPN – Registered Practical Nurse
(B) LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
(C) RN – Registered Nurse
What does RICE stand for?
(A): Rest, isolate, compression, elevate
(B): Rest, ice, compression, elevate
(C): Rest, ice, compensation, elevate
(D): Rice, ice, compression, elevate
(B) Rest, ice, compression, elevate.
Explanation
RICE is a well‑known first‑aid treatment used for sprains, strains, and soft‑tissue injuries. It helps reduce pain, swelling, and further injury.
Here’s what each letter stands for:
R – Rest Stop using the injured area to prevent further damage.
I – Ice Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and pain.
C – Compression Use an elastic bandage to limit swelling.
E – Elevate Raise the injured limb above heart level to decrease swelling.
When focusing on the person with dementia, it is important to:
(A): learn what makes the person happy and provide it
(B): concentrate on the person, not the task
(C): support a person's emotions and feelings
(D): all of the above 91. (Question): Physical restraints are a threat to personhood: (A): They restrict movement
The correct answer is (D) all of the above.
Explanation
All three actions support person‑centered care, which is essential in dementia:
(A) Learn what makes the person happy → supports emotional well‑being
(B) Concentrate on the person, not the task → respects dignity and personhood
(C) Support emotions and feelings → validates their experience and reduces distress
When tasks are assigned to a PSW by a nurse, who is responsible for making sure the task is completed correctly? (A): doctor
(B): case manager
(C): nurse
(D): PSW
(C) nurse.
Explanation
When a nurse assigns a task to a PSW, the nurse is the one who:
Determines whether the task is appropriate
Ensures the PSW is trained to perform it
Remains accountable for the outcome
The PSW is responsible for performing the task safely, following instructions, and reporting any concerns, but the nurse maintains overall responsibility for ensuring the task is completed correctly.
Another name for a team made up of different health professionals is:
(A): inter faceted health care team
(B): none of the above
(C): multifunctional team
(D): interprofessional health care team
The correct answer is (D) interprofessional health care team.
Why?
A team made up of different health professionals—such as nurses, PSWs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and doctors—is called an interprofessional health care team.
Interprofessional means many professions working together toward a common goal: the client’s well‑being.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Inter faceted health care team → Not a standard term.
(C) Multifunctional team → Too general; doesn’t specify different professions.
(B) None of the above → Incorrect because option (D) is correct.
Suggestions that can encourage unconditional positive regard include:
(A): art
(B): pet therapy
(C): music
(D): all of the above
(D) all of the above.
Why?
All three options—art, pet therapy, and music—are powerful ways to support Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) because they help people feel valued, calm, and emotionally connected.
Art Encourages self‑expression and boosts confidence.
Pet therapy Reduces stress and provides comfort through non‑judgmental companionship.
Music Can soothe, energize, or emotionally connect with a person in ways words sometimes cannot.
: One of the main illnesses that cause children to miss school or childcare is:
(A): stomach flu
(B): Headaches
(C): Chicken pox
(D): Head lice
(A) stomach flu.
Explanation
Among school‑aged children, one of the most common reasons for missing school or childcare is gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu. It spreads easily, causes vomiting and diarrhea, and requires children to stay home until symptoms improve.
Here’s why the other options are not the best answer:
(B) Headaches
Common, but not a major cause of school absence.
(C) Chicken pox
Less common today because most children are vaccinated.
(D) Head lice
Annoying and contagious, but children often return to school quickly after treatment.
Physical restraints are a threat to personhood:
(A): They restrict movement
(B): They limit access to one's body
(C): They are a last resort
(D): All of the above
The correct answer is (D) All of the above.
Explanation
Physical restraints are a threat to personhood because they:
(A) Restrict movement This takes away a person’s freedom and independence.
(B) Limit access to one’s own body Restraints can prevent someone from scratching an itch, adjusting clothing, or meeting basic comfort needs.
(C) Are a last resort Their use signals that all other, more respectful and person‑centered approaches have failed or were not attempted.
Because all of these statements are true and all describe how restraints threaten dignity, autonomy, and emotional well‑being, the best answer is:
What type of pain is felt in an area of the body that is separate from where the source of the pain is located? (A): persistent pain
(B): referred pain
(C): phantom limb pain
(D): radiating limb pain
(B) referred pain.
Explanation
Referred pain is pain that is felt in a different location from where the actual problem or injury is. This happens because nerves from various parts of the body share pathways, causing the brain to misinterpret the source.
Examples:
Heart attack → pain felt in the left arm or jaw
Gallbladder issues → pain felt in the right shoulder
Kidney problems → pain felt in the lower back
Why the other options are incorrect
(A) Persistent pain Long‑lasting pain, but not located away from the source.
(C) Phantom limb pain Pain felt in a limb that has been amputated.
(D) Radiating pain Pain that spreads outward from the source, not in a completely different area.
What does syncope refer to?
(A): hypotension
(B): contracture
(C): fainting
(D): systemic
(C) fainting.
Explanation
Syncope refers to a temporary loss of consciousness, commonly known as fainting. It happens when there is a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Hypotension → Low blood pressure, which can cause syncope, but is not the definition.
(B) Contracture → Permanent tightening of muscles or joints.
(D) Systemic → Refers to something affecting the whole body, not fainting.
To provide good care, what is important for a caregiver to consider about themselves?
(A): our beliefs
(B): our values
(C): our culture
(D): all of the above
(D) all of the above.
Why?
To provide truly good, person‑centred care, a caregiver must be aware of their own:
Beliefs – These shape how we interpret situations and respond to others.
Values – These influence what we prioritize and how we treat people.
Culture – This affects communication styles, expectations, and how we understand behaviours.
It is important for the PSW to report any of the following signs or symptoms related to umbilical cord, circumcision sites, episiotomy site, Caesarean section site, or breasts:
(A): fever and chill
(B): pain and swelling
(C): foul odour, drainage, or bleeding
(D): all of the above
(D) all of the above.
Why?
All of the signs listed—fever and chills, pain and swelling, and foul odor, drainage, or bleeding—can indicate infection or complications at:
Umbilical cord sites (newborns)
Circumcision sites
Episiotomy sites
Caesarean section incisions
Breasts (mastitis)
Any of these symptoms require immediate reporting to protect the client’s health.
Summary
(D) All of the above is correct because every symptom listed is a warning sign that must be
Communication strategies include all of the following except:
(A): Introducing ourselves
(B): Give clear directions
(C): Quiz the person about their past and ask for responses
(D): Make direct eye contact
(C) Quiz the person about their past and ask for responses.
Explanation
Effective communication strategies—especially with older adults or people with dementia—focus on supporting, guiding, and connecting, not testing or pressuring.
Here’s why each option matters:
(A) Introducing ourselves ✔️ Good communication practice. It builds trust and reduces anxiety.
(B) Give clear directions ✔️ Essential, especially for people who may have difficulty processing complex instructions.
(D) Make direct eye contact ✔️ Helps show respect, attention, and engagement (as long as it’s culturally appropriate).
(C) Quiz the person about their past and ask for responses ❌ This is not a good communication strategy. Quizzing can make the person feel embarrassed, frustrated, or stressed—especially if they cannot remember the answers.
: Where is the heartbeat felt and what structure carries the pulse wave throughout the body?
(A): artery, vein
(B): axilla, artery
(C): aorta, artery
(D): artery, artery
(D) artery, artery
Explanation
The heartbeat is felt in an artery, not a vein. This is because arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure, creating the pulse you can feel.
The pulse wave travels through the arteries, not the veins. Arteries have thick, elastic walls that expand and contract with each heartbeat, allowing the pulse to be detected.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) artery, vein → Veins do not carry the pulse wave.
(B) axilla, artery → The axilla (armpit) is a location, not a structure that carries the pulse.
(C) aorta, artery → The aorta is an artery, but the question asks for the general structures, not a specific one.
You should not use which finger to locate the radial pulse?
(A): ring finger
(B): thumb
(C): index finger
(D): 3 middle fingers
(B) thumb.
Why?
You should never use your thumb to locate a client’s radial pulse because:
The thumb has its own strong pulse, which can interfere with accurately feeling the client’s pulse.
This can lead to counting your own pulse instead of theirs.
Why the other options are acceptable:
Ring finger → Safe to use
Index finger → Commonly used
Three middle fingers → Often recommended for best sensitivity
What symptoms may be seen in people with dementia? (A): inappropriate and reduced social skills
(B): impaired recent memory
(C): increasing dependency on others for ad
(D): all of the above
The correct answer is (D) all of the above.
Why?
People living with dementia can experience a wide range of cognitive, behavioural, and functional changes. All of the symptoms listed are commonly seen:
(A) Inappropriate and reduced social skills Dementia can affect judgment, social awareness, and behaviour.
(B) Impaired recent memory One of the earliest and most common signs of dementia.
(C) Increasing dependency on others for ADLs (activities of daily living) As dementia progresses, individuals need more assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility.