Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

What should be done if a resident exhibits breathing problems after medication administration?

1. Monitor the resident for 24 hours

2. Notify the nurse immediately

3. Document the response in the chart

4. Administer more medication

The correct answer is: Notify the nurse immediately

When a resident experiences breathing problems after medication administration, notifying the nurse immediately is the most appropriate action. This is critical because respiratory issues can pose serious risks to the resident's health and require prompt medical assessment and intervention. The nurse has the training and authority to evaluate the situation, decide on the necessary steps to address the breathing problems, and determine if any additional medical care is needed. Timely communication ensures that the resident receives the appropriate care and can prevent further complications. While monitoring the resident and documenting the response are also important steps in the overall care process, they should follow the immediate action of notifying the nurse. Administering more medication without guidance could exacerbate the problem or create new issues. Promptly alerting the nurse keeps patient safety as the top priority.