QMAP Adverse Reactions and Side Effects 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident taking an antibiotic develops hives and facial swelling shortly after administration. What should the QMAP do first?
- Continue observing for 15 minutes before acting
- Withhold the next dose and notify the supervisor or nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Administer an antihistamine from the med cart
- Document the reaction and continue with other residents
Correct answer: Withhold the next dose and notify the supervisor or nurse immediately
Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives and swelling require immediate withholding of the medication and prompt notification of the supervising nurse.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?
- A resident feels slightly drowsy after taking a sleep aid as expected
- A resident develops a rash after taking a newly prescribed antibiotic (Correct answer)
- A resident's blood pressure is controlled by their antihypertensive
- A resident experiences mild dry mouth from an antihistamine as listed on the label
Correct answer: A resident develops a rash after taking a newly prescribed antibiotic
An ADR is an unintended, harmful response to a medication at a normal therapeutic dose, such as a rash from an antibiotic.
Question 3: A resident on a diuretic complains of muscle cramps and weakness. Which electrolyte imbalance should the QMAP suspect and report?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypermagnesemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Diuretics commonly cause potassium loss (hypokalemia), which can present as muscle cramps and weakness.
Question 4: A resident taking an antipsychotic medication develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness. This is most consistent with which serious adverse reaction?
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (Correct answer)
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
Correct answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by fever, rigidity, and altered consciousness.
Question 5: What is orthostatic hypotension, and why is it important for a QMAP to know about it?
- High blood pressure caused by pain medications, requiring dose reduction
- A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which can cause falls after medication administration (Correct answer)
- A chronic condition unrelated to medications
- Elevated blood pressure at rest that resolves with activity
Correct answer: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which can cause falls after medication administration
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure upon standing and is a common side effect of several medications that increases fall risk.
Question 6: Which symptom following medication administration should a QMAP report to the nurse as a potential sign of anaphylaxis?
- Mild headache
- Slight drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing and throat tightening (Correct answer)
- Temporary nausea
Correct answer: Difficulty breathing and throat tightening
Difficulty breathing and throat tightening are hallmark signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic emergency requiring immediate action.
QMAP Adverse Reactions and Side Effects 1
A resident taking an antibiotic develops hives and facial swelling shortly after administration.
What should the QMAP do first?