Blood Glucose Monitoring Flashcards

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?

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.

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?

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.

After using a lancet to obtain a blood sample for glucose monitoring, what is the correct procedure for disposal?

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.

Which of the following actions should a QMA take before using a glucometer for the first time on a resident?

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.

A QMA obtains a fasting blood glucose reading of 140 mg/dL for a resident with diabetes. This reading is considered:

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.

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?

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.