Blood Glucose Monitoring Flashcards

A resident with poor circulation has cold, bluish fingertips. What is the best approach for blood glucose testing?

Answer: Warm the hand gently before testing

Warming the hand with gentle friction or a warm cloth improves peripheral circulation and promotes adequate blood flow for the sample.

How does dehydration typically affect blood glucose meter readings?

Answer: Readings may be falsely elevated

Dehydration concentrates blood glucose levels, so meter readings may appear higher than the true whole-blood glucose.

A resident refuses to have their blood glucose checked. What is the QMA's first step?

Answer: Inform the resident of the importance and document the refusal

Residents have the right to refuse; the QMA should explain the importance, respect the decision, document the refusal, and notify the nurse.

What does it mean when a blood glucose meter displays 'HI' instead of a numeric value?

Answer: Blood glucose exceeds the meter's upper measurement limit

'HI' indicates blood glucose is above the meter's maximum readable range (often >600 mg/dL), which is a critical hyperglycemic emergency.

What PPE should a QMA wear when performing a fingerstick blood glucose test?

Answer: Gloves only

Standard precautions for fingerstick procedures require gloves to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure.

After completing a blood glucose test, how should a used lancet be disposed of?

Answer: Place uncapped directly into a sharps container

Used lancets are sharps and must be placed uncapped directly into an approved sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

A resident's scheduled blood glucose check is due but they are currently sleeping. What should the QMA do?

Answer: Gently wake the resident and perform the test per orders

Scheduled glucose monitoring is a clinical order; the resident should be gently woken to obtain an accurate reading per the care plan.