Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

What must occur every shift for Schedule II Controlled Substances?

1. They must be counted

2. They must be restocked

3. They can be used freely without monitoring

4. They must be signed out

The correct answer is: They must be counted

For Schedule II Controlled Substances, it is essential that they must be counted every shift. This practice is critical for several reasons. First, Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Consequently, strict accountability is necessary to ensure that all of these medications are correctly accounted for, which helps prevent misuse or diversion. Regular counting helps to quickly identify any discrepancies in the quantities of these substances. If there are missing items, it can indicate potential theft, mismanagement, or errors in record-keeping that need to be addressed immediately. This procedure is part of broader regulatory requirements to ensure that facilities handling such substances adhere to legal and safety standards. While restocking is important, particularly when supplies run low, counting ensures that what is on hand matches the inventory records and should not be confused with the act of restocking itself. Moreover, Schedule II substances are not to be used freely without monitoring; they require strict oversight as outlined in drug regulations. Lastly, while signing out medications may be a part of medication dispensing protocols, it is not the primary requirement for every shift focused on accountability and security in handling controlled substances.