If a resident experiences persistent nausea after taking medication, what should the QMA do?

When a resident experiences persistent nausea after taking medication, the appropriate action for the Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) is to report the symptom to the supervising nurse. This is vital because persistent nausea could indicate an adverse reaction to the medication or a worsening of the resident's condition.

Notifying the supervising nurse ensures that the resident receives a proper assessment and any necessary interventions can be implemented, which might include further evaluation of the medication regimen or adjustments in treatment. Reporting symptoms is an integral part of maintaining patient safety and quality of care and allows for informed decision-making by qualified medical personnel.

While the other options may seem reasonable, they do not prioritize the resident's safety or adhere to the protocols governing medication administration. Administering the medication again could exacerbate the situation, ignoring the symptom could lead to further complications, and providing water while merely observing might delay necessary medical attention. Therefore, reporting to the supervising nurse is the most responsible and appropriate action in this scenario.