What is a critical action if a QMA notes changes in a diabetic resident’s behavior?

Reporting the observed changes in a diabetic resident's behavior to the on-call nurse is critical because it ensures that a qualified healthcare professional assesses the situation promptly. Diabetic patients can experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, which may lead to changes in behavior or mental status, including confusion, irritability, or lethargy. Such changes can be indicative of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), both of which require prompt intervention.

By communicating these changes to the on-call nurse, the QMA is facilitating a timely evaluation and intervention plan that could prevent more serious complications. The nurse can then decide on the appropriate courses of action, which may include checking blood glucose levels, administering insulin, providing carbohydrates, or other necessary measures based on the patient's needs.

Other actions, such as ignoring the changes or only discussing them with fellow staff, would not address the potential immediate medical needs of the resident. Additionally, while documenting behavior is essential for ongoing care best practices, it does not replace the need for immediate reporting to ensure the resident’s safety and health are prioritized.