QMAP Scope of Practice and Supervision Requirements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following tasks is WITHIN the scope of practice of a QMAP in most US states?
- Starting an IV line
- Administering oral, topical, and inhalation medications as ordered (Correct answer)
- Prescribing medications for a resident
- Adjusting medication doses based on the resident's condition
Correct answer: Administering oral, topical, and inhalation medications as ordered
QMAPs are trained and authorized to administer medications via approved routes such as oral, topical, and inhalation, but cannot prescribe or adjust doses.
Question 2: A QMAP is uncertain about a medication order that appears unclear. What is the correct action?
- Use best judgment and administer the most likely intended dose
- Withhold the medication and clarify the order with the supervising nurse before administering (Correct answer)
- Ask a coworker what they would do
- Skip the dose and document it without reporting
Correct answer: Withhold the medication and clarify the order with the supervising nurse before administering
Any unclear medication order must be clarified with the supervising nurse before administration to prevent medication errors.
Question 3: Who is ultimately responsible for supervising a QMAP's medication administration activities?
- The QMAP themselves, once certified
- A licensed nurse (RN or LPN) designated as the supervising clinician (Correct answer)
- The facility administrator
- The resident's family members
Correct answer: A licensed nurse (RN or LPN) designated as the supervising clinician
A licensed nurse is responsible for clinically supervising QMAPs and ensuring safe medication administration practices.
Question 4: A resident requests that the QMAP give them an extra dose of their pain medication because they are uncomfortable. What should the QMAP do?
- Administer the extra dose to relieve the resident's discomfort
- Explain that extra doses cannot be given without a physician's order and notify the nurse of the resident's pain (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident to wait until the next scheduled dose without notifying anyone
- Contact the pharmacy to request more medication
Correct answer: Explain that extra doses cannot be given without a physician's order and notify the nurse of the resident's pain
QMAPs may only administer medications as ordered; extra doses require a physician's order, and the nurse must be notified of the resident's uncontrolled pain.
Question 5: Which of the following is OUTSIDE the scope of practice for a QMAP?
- Pouring oral medications from a labeled container
- Administering medications through a feeding tube (PEG tube) (Correct answer)
- Applying a prescribed topical cream to intact skin
- Assisting a resident in using a prescribed metered-dose inhaler
Correct answer: Administering medications through a feeding tube (PEG tube)
Administering medications through a feeding tube is a clinical skill generally outside the QMAP scope of practice and requires a licensed nurse.
Question 6: A QMAP is asked by a supervisor to administer a medication that is not on the resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR). What should the QMAP do?
- Administer the medication since the supervisor requested it
- Refuse to administer the medication and notify the nurse, as it is not on the MAR (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident if they want the medication before deciding
- Administer it and add it to the MAR afterward
Correct answer: Refuse to administer the medication and notify the nurse, as it is not on the MAR
QMAPs may only administer medications that appear on the resident's current MAR; any unlisted medication requires a proper order before administration.
QMAP Scope of Practice and Supervision Requirements 1
Which of the following tasks is WITHIN the scope of practice of a QMAP in most US states?