QMAP Medication Administration Routes — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A QMAP is reviewing a new medication order. Which of the following administration routes is within their scope of practice?
- Intravenous (IV) injection
- Subcutaneous injection
- Transdermal patch (Correct answer)
- Intramuscular injection
Correct answer: Transdermal patch
QMAPs are trained and authorized to apply transdermal patches, which is a form of topical medication administration. QMAPs are explicitly prohibited from administering any form of injection (IV, subcutaneous, intramuscular), as this is outside their scope of practice.
Question 2: A resident has a physician's order for 'Loratadine 10mg PO daily'. How should the QMAP administer this medication?
- Place the tablet under the resident's tongue to dissolve
- Instruct the resident to swallow the tablet with a glass of water (Correct answer)
- Apply the medication as a cream to the resident's skin
- Have the resident inhale the medication from an inhaler
Correct answer: Instruct the resident to swallow the tablet with a glass of water
The medical abbreviation 'PO' stands for 'per os,' which means 'by mouth.' Therefore, the medication should be swallowed. Placing it under the tongue (sublingual), applying it to the skin (topical), or inhaling it would be incorrect routes of administration.
Question 3: Which of the following is an administration route that a QMAP is strictly prohibited from performing?
- Administering medication via an insulin pen injection (Correct answer)
- Instilling otic (ear) drops
- Applying a medicated lotion to the skin
- Giving a rectal suppository
Correct answer: Administering medication via an insulin pen injection
The QMAP scope of practice explicitly forbids administering medications via injection, which includes insulin pens. The other routes listed—otic, topical, and rectal insertion—are all within the standard duties of a QMAP.
Question 4: A resident is prescribed eye drops for glaucoma. When administering the medication, the QMAP should instill the drops into which specific location?
- Directly onto the center of the cornea
- The inner corner of the eye near the nose
- The conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid (Correct answer)
- The upper eyelid while it is closed
Correct answer: The conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid
The correct and safe procedure for administering eye drops is to gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, known as the conjunctival sac, and instill the prescribed number of drops there. This prevents injury to the cornea and allows the medication to be distributed effectively across the eye.
Question 5: A physician's order requires a medication to be administered 'sublingually'. What is the correct action for the QMAP to take?
- Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce
- Ensure the resident swallows the medication whole with juice
- Insert the medication into the rectum
- Place the medication under the resident's tongue and allow it to dissolve (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Place the medication under the resident's tongue and allow it to dissolve
The term 'sublingual' (often abbreviated as SL) directs the medication to be placed under the tongue. This route allows for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream and should not be swallowed, crushed, or administered via any other route.
Question 6: All of the following are approved medication administration routes for a QMAP EXCEPT:
- Oral tablets and liquids
- Medication administered through a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) (Correct answer)
- Nasal sprays
- Vaginal creams
Correct answer: Medication administered through a gastrostomy tube (G-tube)
While QMAPs can administer medications through various routes including oral, nasal, and vaginal, they are not permitted to administer medications through a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) without having received additional, specific training from a licensed professional.
QMAP Medication Administration Routes
A QMAP is reviewing a new medication order.
Which of the following administration routes is within their scope of practice?