Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Qualified Medication Aide Exam with focused study tools and resources, including multiple-choice questions and detailed answer explanations. Enhance your readiness and increase your confidence for test day!

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When should a colostomy bag be changed?

  1. When it is half full

  2. When it is completely full

  3. When it is 1/3 full

  4. Every day

The correct answer is: When it is 1/3 full

Changing a colostomy bag when it is one-third full is the best practice for managing this type of ostomy. Doing so helps to prevent leaks and skin irritation, as well as ensuring that the adhesive on the bag remains secure. When a colostomy bag is too full, it can become heavy and may put undue stress on the adhesive, increasing the risk of the bag detaching from the skin. Moreover, allowing the bag to reach a level that is too full could lead to odor or discomfort for the individual. By changing the bag when it is one-third full, you strike a balance that allows for comfortable wear while also maintaining hygiene and skin integrity. This proactive approach helps in managing the colostomy effectively and contributes to the patient's overall well-being. Regular monitoring of the bag's fullness and changing it at appropriate intervals are crucial skills for a Qualified Medication Aide to learn and implement.