QMA Insulin - Qualified Medication Aides Insulin Blood Glucose Monitoring Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A QMA is preparing to perform a fingerstick blood glucose test on a resident. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate site for the puncture?
- The fleshy pad of the fingertip
- The side of the fingertip (Correct answer)
- The base of the thumb
- The center of the palm
Correct answer: The side of the fingertip
The side of the fingertip is the preferred site for a capillary blood glucose test because it has fewer nerve endings, making the puncture less painful, and it provides adequate blood flow. The fleshy pad is more sensitive, and other sites are not standard for this procedure.
Question 2: A resident's blood glucose level is 65 mg/dL. The resident is awake and able to swallow. What is the QMA's IMMEDIATE priority?
- Administer the resident's scheduled insulin.
- Provide the resident with a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. (Correct answer)
- Recheck the blood glucose in one hour.
- Document the finding and continue with medication pass.
Correct answer: Provide the resident with a source of fast-acting carbohydrate.
A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. The immediate priority is to treat the low blood sugar by providing a fast-acting source of glucose, such as juice or glucose tablets, as per the facility's protocol and physician's orders. Administering insulin would be dangerous and lower the blood sugar even more.
Question 3: After using a lancet to obtain a blood sample for glucose monitoring, what is the correct procedure for disposal?
- Recap the lancet and place it in the regular trash.
- Drop the lancet into a red biohazard bag.
- Dispose of the uncapped lancet in a designated sharps container. (Correct answer)
- Wipe the lancet with an alcohol pad and reuse it for the same resident.
Correct answer: Dispose of the uncapped lancet in a designated sharps container.
Used lancets are considered sharps and must be disposed of immediately in a puncture-resistant, clearly marked sharps container to prevent accidental needlesticks and the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Lancets should never be recapped, thrown in the regular trash, or reused.
Question 4: Which of the following actions should a QMA take before using a glucometer for the first time on a resident?
- Wipe the first drop of blood away before applying blood to the test strip.
- Ensure the code on the test strip vial matches the code on the glucometer, if required. (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to hold their hand above their heart.
- Apply a large drop of blood to the center of the test strip.
Correct answer: Ensure the code on the test strip vial matches the code on the glucometer, if required.
Many glucometers require calibration or coding to ensure the meter is properly matched to the test strips being used. Mismatched codes can lead to inaccurate readings. While wiping the first drop of blood is a correct step in the procedure, ensuring the device is correctly coded is a critical preparatory step.
Question 5: A QMA obtains a fasting blood glucose reading of 140 mg/dL for a resident with diabetes. This reading is considered:
- Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar)
- Within the normal target range
- Hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- A critical value requiring immediate 911 call
Correct answer: Hyperglycemic (high blood sugar)
A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes. A reading of 140 mg/dL is above the typical target range for fasting glucose (80-130 mg/dL) and is therefore considered hyperglycemic. The QMA should report this to the nurse for further instruction.
Question 6: A QMA is assisting a resident who uses a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device. Which statement accurately describes the QMA's role with this device?
- The QMA is responsible for inserting and removing the CGM sensor.
- The QMA can use the reader to obtain glucose readings as instructed by the nurse. (Correct answer)
- The QMA should calibrate the CGM device daily using a fingerstick.
- The QMA can independently adjust insulin doses based on CGM trends.
Correct answer: The QMA can use the reader to obtain glucose readings as instructed by the nurse.
According to the Indiana Department of Health QMA training module, a QMA can use the reader device to obtain glucose readings from a CGM but cannot apply, remove, or change the sensor. Any concerns must be reported to the licensed nurse. Adjusting insulin and calibrating the device are outside the QMA scope of practice.
QMA Insulin - Qualified Medication Aides Insulin Blood Glucose Monitoring Questions and Answers 1
A QMA is preparing to perform a fingerstick blood glucose test on a resident.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate site for the puncture?