QMA Insulin - Qualified Medication Aides Insulin Documentation and Reporting Questions and Answers

Question 1

A QMA checks a resident's blood glucose, and the glucometer displays the reading "HI," indicating the value is above the meter's measurable range. What is the QMA's IMMEDIATE responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the licensed nurse of the critical result.

Answer

Ask the resident to drink a large glass of water and recheck in 30 minutes.

Answer

Administer the highest dose of insulin listed on the sliding scale.

Answer

Document the reading on the MAR and wait for the next scheduled check.

Question 2

Which of the following elements is ESSENTIAL for a QMA to document on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) immediately after administering an insulin injection?

Accepted Answer

The specific anatomical site used for the injection.

Answer

The brand of the glucometer used for the test.

Answer

The resident's food choice for their recent meal.

Answer

The time the next dose of insulin is scheduled to be given.

Question 3

A resident, who is alert and oriented, refuses their scheduled pre-meal fingerstick blood glucose check. The QMA cannot administer the sliding scale insulin without this reading. What is the most appropriate action for the QMA to take regarding documentation and reporting?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal on the MAR according to facility policy and immediately report the refusal to the licensed nurse.

Answer

Leave the signature block on the MAR blank for the nurse to address later.

Answer

Administer the insulin anyway and document the blood sugar as 'unable to obtain'.

Answer

Tell the resident they cannot have their meal until they allow the blood sugar check.

Question 4

After administering insulin, a QMA observes that the resident has developed significant redness and swelling at the injection site. Which of the following best describes the QMA's responsibility for reporting and documentation?

Accepted Answer

Report the findings to the licensed nurse immediately and document the observation and the notification in the resident's record.

Answer

Apply a cold pack to the site and document that the intervention was successful.

Answer

Note the reaction on the MAR but only report it to the nurse if the resident complains of pain or itching.

Answer

Document the observation in personal notes to discuss with the nurse at the end of the shift.

Question 5

Why is it critical for a QMA to document a blood glucose reading and any corresponding insulin dose at the exact time the event occurs?

Accepted Answer

To create a legal record that accurately reflects the timing of care and supports ongoing clinical decision-making.

Answer

To ensure the QMA receives proper credit for completing the task during a performance review.

Answer

To allow other staff members to see when they can schedule their breaks.

Answer

To practice handwriting skills and ensure the chart remains neat and tidy.

Question 6

A QMA realizes they have documented the administration of 6 units of insulin on the MAR, but they actually administered the correct dose of 4 units per the sliding scale order. What is the correct procedure for the QMA to follow to correct this documentation error?

Accepted Answer

Draw a single line through the error, write "error" or "mistaken entry," add their initials, and then write the correct information. [3, 17]

Answer

Completely black out the incorrect entry with a marker so it cannot be read.

Answer

Use correction fluid (white-out) to cover the error and write the correct number over it.

Answer

Erase the incorrect entry carefully and write the correct dose in the space.