QMA Scope of Practice Flashcards

A QMA is asked by a family member to administer an extra insulin dose because the resident 'seems high.' What should the QMA do?

Answer: Decline and notify the nurse, who can assess and determine next steps

Family members cannot authorize medication administration; the QMA must decline and notify the nurse for appropriate clinical evaluation.

After administering insulin, the QMA observes the resident becoming sweaty and confused. What is the priority action?

Answer: Notify the supervising nurse immediately and stay with the resident

Signs of hypoglycemia after insulin administration are an emergency requiring immediate nurse notification while staying with the resident for safety.

Which best describes QMA documentation requirements after insulin administration?

Answer: The QMA must document the dose, site, time, and resident response in the MAR promptly after administration

The administering QMA is responsible for timely, accurate documentation of each insulin dose in the medication administration record.

A QMA is certified to administer insulin but is assigned to a unit where insulin pens are used instead of vials and syringes. What must occur first?

Answer: The QMA should receive competency verification for insulin pen use before administering

Competency with the specific delivery device must be verified before the QMA independently uses an insulin pen in clinical practice.

What is the QMA's responsibility if they believe a nurse's insulin order contains a potential error?

Answer: Raise the concern with the nurse before administering and seek clarification

QMAs have a professional duty to question orders they believe may be erroneous and must seek clarification before administering any potentially incorrect dose.

A QMA's insulin administration certification has expired. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Cease insulin administration immediately until recertification is completed

An expired certification means the QMA no longer meets the legal requirement to administer insulin and must stop until recertification is complete.

Which statement accurately describes QMA liability related to insulin administration?

Answer: The QMA is personally accountable for insulin administration actions within their scope

QMAs retain personal accountability for their own actions during insulin administration, even when working under nurse delegation.