How should a Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) manage insulin administration during a patient's illness?

Monitoring blood glucose levels more frequently and adjusting dosages as needed is crucial during a patient's illness because illness can significantly affect blood glucose levels. Stress from illness often leads to increased production of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.

By closely monitoring glucose levels, a Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) can make informed decisions about insulin administration. Adjusting insulin dosages based on these readings helps in maintaining glycemic control, which is especially important during times of stress or physiological changes due to illness. This proactive approach prevents complications related to both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, ensuring patient safety and health stability.

Other options lack the necessary responsiveness that illness requires. For example, maintaining the same dosage regardless of readings ignores potential fluctuations in glucose levels, and limiting administration to once a day may not adequately address the patient's changing needs during illness. Consulting with pharmacy may be useful in some contexts, but timely adjustments based on real-time monitoring are essential when managing insulin during illness.