QMA STATE TEST | QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT| GRADE A+ ASSURED

QMA STATE TEST | QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT|
GRADE A+ ASSURED


Question 1
A resident is prescribed Levothyroxine Sodium for hypothyroidism. Which of the following is
the brand name for this medication?
A) Tapazole
B) Synthroid
C) Lithobid
D) Depakote
E) Sinemet

Correct Answer: B) Synthroid
Rationale: Levothyroxine Sodium is the generic name for the synthetic thyroid hormone
used to treat hypothyroidism. Synthroid is the most common brand name. It is essential for
a QMA to recognize both names to ensure the right medication is administered, as thyroid
replacement therapy requires precise dosing to maintain metabolic balance.

Question 2
When administering thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, which of the following is a critical
nursing consideration?
A) Administer with a large meal to increase absorption.
B) Administer in a single dose before breakfast.
C) Administer only at bedtime to prevent insomnia.
D) Onset of action is immediate within 30 minutes.
E) Encourage the resident to take a nap immediately after administration.

Correct Answer: B) Administer in a single dose before breakfast.
Rationale: Thyroid hormones should be administered on an empty stomach, typically 30 to
60 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal absorption. Administering it at the same
time every day helps maintain a steady level of the hormone in the blood. QMAs must also
know that the onset is gradual, not immediate.

Question 3
Which of the following symptoms should a QMA report to the nurse immediately for a resident

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taking levothyroxine?
A) Increased appetite
B) Improved energy levels
C) Chest pains or palpitations
D) Slight weight gain
E) Decreased thirst

Correct Answer: C) Report chest pains immediately
Rationale: Levothyroxine speeds up the metabolism and increases the workload of the
heart. Adverse effects such as palpitations, chest pain (angina), or a rapid heart rate can
indicate a dose that is too high, potentially leading to cardiac events. These must be
reported to the licensed nurse immediately for assessment.

Question 4
Which of the following is a common side effect of thyroid medications?
A) Lethargy and bradycardia
B) Tremors, nervousness, and insomnia
C) Constipation and dry skin
D) Increased sleepiness and weight gain
E) Low blood pressure and fainting

Correct Answer: B) Nervousness, tremors, palpitation, angina, sweating, insomnia
Rationale: These side effects represent "hyperthyroid" symptoms, which occur when
thyroid hormone levels are high. Because the medication stimulates the central nervous
system and the heart, the resident may experience a "speeding up" of bodily functions,
leading to tremors and difficulty sleeping.

Question 5
Which group of medications is primarily used to depress abnormal neuronal discharges in the
central nervous system?
A) Antineoplastics
B) Antacids
C) Anticonvulsants

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D) Anxiolytics
E) Sulfonamides

Correct Answer: C) Anticonvulsant drugs
Rationale: Anticonvulsants, such as Divalproex (Depakote) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol),
work by stabilizing nerve cell membranes and suppressing the excessive electrical activity
in the brain that causes seizures. Their primary action is to "calm" the overactive neurons.

Question 6
A resident is taking an anticonvulsant. The QMA should specifically observe the resident's mouth
for which of the following?
A) White patches on the tongue
B) Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
C) Loss of taste
D) Increased saliva production
E) Blue tint to the lips

Correct Answer: B) Observe residents mouth for red swollen bleeding gums, encourage good
oral hygiene, potential overgrowth of gum tissue
Rationale: Certain anticonvulsants (classically Phenytoin, but monitored across the class)
can cause gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue. QMAs must
encourage frequent oral hygiene and report any swelling or bleeding of the gums to the
nurse to prevent infection and dental complications.

Question 7
Which of the following medications are classified as anticonvulsants?
A) Sinemet and L-Dopa
B) Bactrim and Septra
C) Divalproex (Depakote) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
D) Amitriptyline and Zoloft
E) Valium and Xanax

Correct Answer: C) Divalproex (Depakote), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Lamotrigine
(Lamictal)

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Rationale: These medications are the standard treatments for epilepsy and seizure
disorders. While some (like Depakote) are also used for mood stabilization in bipolar
disorder, their primary pharmacological classification for the QMA state test is
anticonvulsant.

Question 8
What is the primary goal of administering Parkinson’s medications like Levodopa/Carbidopa
(Sinemet)?
A) To cure the disease completely.
B) To stop all digestive enzymes.
C) To relieve tremors and muscular weakness.
D) To increase the resident's blood pressure.
E) To cause sedation and help with sleep.

Correct Answer: C) Relieve tremors and muscular weakness, treatment or extrapyramidal
effects of major psychotropics
Rationale: Parkinson's disease is characterized by a lack of dopamine. Medications like
Sinemet provide dopamine or mimic its action to reduce the "shuffling gait," tremors, and
rigidity associated with the disease. They improve the resident's ability to perform activities
of daily living.

Question 9
Which side effect is a major concern for a resident starting Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa)?
A) Hypertension
B) Postural hypotension and dizziness
C) Excessive hair growth
D) Hearing loss
E) Increased appetite

Correct Answer: B) Dizziness, postural hypotension, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth,
GI upset
Rationale: Postural (orthostatic) hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when a
resident stands up. This significantly increases the risk of falls. Residents should be