Monitoring and Documentation Flashcards

Which of the following symptoms would the QMA document as a sign of hyperglycemia?

Answer: Increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision

Increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and blurred vision are classic signs of hyperglycemia to document and report.

A QMA uses a lancet to perform a finger stick. After the procedure, the used lancet should be:

Answer: Immediately disposed of in a sharps container

Used lancets are sharps and must be immediately discarded in an approved sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

When the QMA documents 'resident tolerated procedure well' after a blood glucose check, this is an example of:

Answer: Subjective and vague documentation that should be more specific

Vague phrases like 'tolerated well' lack clinical specificity; documentation should describe observable behaviors and any specific concerns.

A resident's care plan specifies blood glucose checks at 7 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM. The QMA checks at 8 AM due to a delay. What should be documented?

Answer: The actual time of 8 AM along with a note about the delay

Documentation must reflect the actual time of the procedure; a note explaining the delay maintains accuracy and transparency.

Which finger stick site is PREFERRED for blood glucose monitoring to reduce pain and improve accuracy?

Answer: The side (lateral aspect) of the fingertip

The lateral (side) aspect of the fingertip has fewer nerve endings than the center tip, making it less painful and still providing accurate readings.

A QMA documents a blood glucose reading of 98 mg/dL but the actual reading was 198 mg/dL. This error is discovered after the insulin was withheld. The QMA should:

Answer: Correct the record with a single line, initial it, write the correct value, and notify the nurse

Documentation errors must be corrected transparently with a line-through, initials, correct value, and the nurse must be notified of the clinical impact.

How should a QMA respond if a glucometer gives an error code instead of a blood glucose reading?

Answer: Troubleshoot per the manufacturer guide, retest, and notify the nurse if unresolved

Error codes indicate a testing problem; the QMA should follow troubleshooting steps, retest if possible, and escalate to the nurse if the issue persists.