Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

Where must the keys to the medication room be stored?

1. With any staff member present

2. With the licensed nurse or QMA

3. In the medication room

4. In a private office

The correct answer is: With the licensed nurse or QMA

The keys to the medication room must be stored with the licensed nurse or Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) to ensure proper security and accountability of medications. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the medication management system in healthcare settings. By keeping the keys with designated personnel, it minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and potential medication errors or misuse. Staff members who are not specifically trained or authorized may not understand the precautions required in handling medications, which is why it's crucial for them to be under the oversight of qualified individuals, ensuring that only those who are trained and responsible have access to controlled substances. Options that suggest leaving the keys with any staff member or in locations such as the medication room itself or a private office could lead to lapses in security, making it easier for unauthorized individuals to access potentially dangerous medications or for medication to be mismanaged. Thus, the requirement for the keys to be stored with the licensed nurse or QMA aligns with best practices for medication safety.