INDIANA QMA EXAM PREP 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following tasks is strictly prohibited for a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in
the state of Indiana?
A. Administering a dose of insulin via a pre-filled pen.
B. Performing a finger-stick blood glucose test.
C. Applying a physician-ordered medicated dressing to a Stage II pressure ulcer.
D. Administering a scheduled Schedule II controlled substance.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Indiana law prohibits QMAs from performing treatments on
Stage II, III, or IV decubitus ulcers. While they can perform finger sticks and use insulin
pens under specific conditions, wound care for advanced ulcers is outside their scope.
2. When administering Lanoxin (Digoxin), the QMA must check the apical pulse. At what
heart rate should the medication be withheld and the nurse notified?
A. Below 70 beats per minute.
B. Below 60 beats per minute.
C. Below 80 beats per minute.
,D. Above 100 beats per minute.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin slows the heart rate and increases the force of
contraction. If the pulse is below 60 bpm, it indicates potential toxicity or excessive effect,
requiring the dose to be held.
3. A resident is prescribed a new bulk-forming laxative such as Metamucil. What is the most
important nursing intervention for the QMA?
A. Administer the medication immediately before bedtime.
B. Restrict fluid intake for two hours following the dose.
C. Check the resident’s blood pressure prior to administration.
D. Ensure the resident drinks at least 8 ounces of fluid with the dose.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid to increase stool mass.
Without adequate fluid intake, the medication can cause intestinal obstruction or
esophageal blockage.
4. A QMA discovers a medication error two hours after it occurred. What is the first priority
action?
A. Wait to see if the resident has an adverse reaction.
B. Complete an incident report and leave it on the administrator’s desk.
, C. Document the error in the resident’s chart and notify the family.
D. Report the error immediately to the licensed nurse.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate priority in a medication error is resident safety,
which requires notifying the licensed nurse to assess the resident and determine if medical
intervention is needed.
5. Which of the following is an example of an objective observation?
A. The resident says they feel dizzy.
B. The resident appears to be in a bad mood.
C. The resident has a blood pressure reading of 150/92.
D. The resident reports sharp pain in their left knee.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Objective observations are measurable and observable data,
such as vital signs or rashes. Subjective observations are what the resident reports or feels.
6. What is the standard procedure for administering ear drops to an adult resident?
A. Pull the pinna down and back.
B. Pull the pinna up and back.
C. Pull the pinna straight back.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following tasks is strictly prohibited for a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in
the state of Indiana?
A. Administering a dose of insulin via a pre-filled pen.
B. Performing a finger-stick blood glucose test.
C. Applying a physician-ordered medicated dressing to a Stage II pressure ulcer.
D. Administering a scheduled Schedule II controlled substance.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Indiana law prohibits QMAs from performing treatments on
Stage II, III, or IV decubitus ulcers. While they can perform finger sticks and use insulin
pens under specific conditions, wound care for advanced ulcers is outside their scope.
2. When administering Lanoxin (Digoxin), the QMA must check the apical pulse. At what
heart rate should the medication be withheld and the nurse notified?
A. Below 70 beats per minute.
B. Below 60 beats per minute.
C. Below 80 beats per minute.
,D. Above 100 beats per minute.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin slows the heart rate and increases the force of
contraction. If the pulse is below 60 bpm, it indicates potential toxicity or excessive effect,
requiring the dose to be held.
3. A resident is prescribed a new bulk-forming laxative such as Metamucil. What is the most
important nursing intervention for the QMA?
A. Administer the medication immediately before bedtime.
B. Restrict fluid intake for two hours following the dose.
C. Check the resident’s blood pressure prior to administration.
D. Ensure the resident drinks at least 8 ounces of fluid with the dose.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid to increase stool mass.
Without adequate fluid intake, the medication can cause intestinal obstruction or
esophageal blockage.
4. A QMA discovers a medication error two hours after it occurred. What is the first priority
action?
A. Wait to see if the resident has an adverse reaction.
B. Complete an incident report and leave it on the administrator’s desk.
, C. Document the error in the resident’s chart and notify the family.
D. Report the error immediately to the licensed nurse.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The immediate priority in a medication error is resident safety,
which requires notifying the licensed nurse to assess the resident and determine if medical
intervention is needed.
5. Which of the following is an example of an objective observation?
A. The resident says they feel dizzy.
B. The resident appears to be in a bad mood.
C. The resident has a blood pressure reading of 150/92.
D. The resident reports sharp pain in their left knee.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Objective observations are measurable and observable data,
such as vital signs or rashes. Subjective observations are what the resident reports or feels.
6. What is the standard procedure for administering ear drops to an adult resident?
A. Pull the pinna down and back.
B. Pull the pinna up and back.
C. Pull the pinna straight back.
