INDIANA QMA EXAM 2026/2027
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to Indiana state regulations, which of the following tasks is strictly prohibited for
a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)?
A. Assessing a resident’s clinical need for a new medication order
B. Applying a physician-ordered topical medication to a stage II pressure ulcer
C. Administering a PRN medication after authorization from a licensed nurse
D. Administering insulin via a pre-filled subcutaneous insulin pen
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: QMAs are prohibited from performing assessments, which is a
licensed nursing function. While they can perform many tasks under supervision, clinical
assessment and judgment regarding new orders remain with the RN or LPN.
2. Which factor significantly decreases the rate of medication absorption in geriatric
residents?
A. Reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract
,B. Increased gastric acidity
C. Increased intestinal motility
D. Decreased body fat percentage
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aging usually results in decreased blood flow to the GI tract,
which slows down the absorption of orally administered medications.
3. A resident is prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin). At what heart rate threshold must a QMA
withhold the medication and notify the nurse?
A. Below 60 beats per minute
B. Below 70 beats per minute
C. Above 100 beats per minute
D. Below 50 beats per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate. It is
standard practice to withhold the dose if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm to prevent
bradycardia.
4. What is the primary legal requirement for a QMA when administering a PRN (as needed)
medication?
A. The QMA must obtain authorization from a licensed nurse before administration
, B. The QMA must decide the dosage based on the resident’s pain level
C. The QMA can only administer PRN meds for cough and cold symptoms
D. The QMA must wait at least 6 hours between all PRN doses regardless of the order
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In Indiana, a QMA must receive authorization from a licensed
nurse to administer any PRN medication, as the nurse must assess the resident’s need for
the medication.
5. Which of the following describes ‘Tardive Dyskinesia,’ a potential side effect of long-term
antipsychotic use?
A. Rapid, labored breathing and chest pain
B. Involuntary movements of the tongue, face, and jaw
C. Sudden onset of high fever and muscle rigidity
D. Severe drop in blood pressure when standing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by
involuntary, repetitive body movements, often caused by long-term use of neuroleptic
drugs.
6. When administering eye drops (ophthalmic), where should the QMA place the drops?
A. Directly onto the cornea
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to Indiana state regulations, which of the following tasks is strictly prohibited for
a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)?
A. Assessing a resident’s clinical need for a new medication order
B. Applying a physician-ordered topical medication to a stage II pressure ulcer
C. Administering a PRN medication after authorization from a licensed nurse
D. Administering insulin via a pre-filled subcutaneous insulin pen
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: QMAs are prohibited from performing assessments, which is a
licensed nursing function. While they can perform many tasks under supervision, clinical
assessment and judgment regarding new orders remain with the RN or LPN.
2. Which factor significantly decreases the rate of medication absorption in geriatric
residents?
A. Reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract
,B. Increased gastric acidity
C. Increased intestinal motility
D. Decreased body fat percentage
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Aging usually results in decreased blood flow to the GI tract,
which slows down the absorption of orally administered medications.
3. A resident is prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin). At what heart rate threshold must a QMA
withhold the medication and notify the nurse?
A. Below 60 beats per minute
B. Below 70 beats per minute
C. Above 100 beats per minute
D. Below 50 beats per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that slows the heart rate. It is
standard practice to withhold the dose if the apical pulse is less than 60 bpm to prevent
bradycardia.
4. What is the primary legal requirement for a QMA when administering a PRN (as needed)
medication?
A. The QMA must obtain authorization from a licensed nurse before administration
, B. The QMA must decide the dosage based on the resident’s pain level
C. The QMA can only administer PRN meds for cough and cold symptoms
D. The QMA must wait at least 6 hours between all PRN doses regardless of the order
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In Indiana, a QMA must receive authorization from a licensed
nurse to administer any PRN medication, as the nurse must assess the resident’s need for
the medication.
5. Which of the following describes ‘Tardive Dyskinesia,’ a potential side effect of long-term
antipsychotic use?
A. Rapid, labored breathing and chest pain
B. Involuntary movements of the tongue, face, and jaw
C. Sudden onset of high fever and muscle rigidity
D. Severe drop in blood pressure when standing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by
involuntary, repetitive body movements, often caused by long-term use of neuroleptic
drugs.
6. When administering eye drops (ophthalmic), where should the QMA place the drops?
A. Directly onto the cornea
