Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is a common practice before giving medications to a patient with a G-tube?

1. Check for allergies

2. Verify the medication with the patient

3. Crush all medications

4. Start the feed immediately

The correct answer is: Check for allergies

Before administering medications to a patient with a G-tube, checking for allergies is essential. This practice ensures the safety and well-being of the patient. Allergic reactions can lead to severe adverse effects, and it is crucial to ascertain whether the patient has any known allergies to the medications being administered. This step is a critical part of medication safety protocols, and it helps to prevent potentially life-threatening situations. While verifying the medication with the patient is also a good practice, it may not be applicable in the same way for individuals with G-tubes, as these patients may not be able to communicate effectively about their medications. Crushing all medications is not appropriate without confirming that each specific medication can be safely crushed, as some medications can be time-released or may have coatings that protect them from stomach acid. Starting the feed immediately is not recommended without evaluating the specific requirements for medication administration, which often require a clear pathway through the G-tube and may necessitate a wait period after medication delivery. Thus, checking for allergies stands out as a fundamental and universally applicable safety measure in the context of G-tube medication administration.