QMA Insulin QMA Insulin Storage and Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct way to handle an insulin pen cartridge that has not been used for several days?
- Prime the pen by dialing 2 units and injecting into the air before use (Correct answer)
- Use it immediately without any preparation
- Shake it 10 times before attaching the needle
- Refrigerate and use only after 24 hours
Correct answer: Prime the pen by dialing 2 units and injecting into the air before use
Before each use of an insulin pen, the QMA should perform an air shot (prime) of 2 units to ensure the pen is working correctly and the needle is clear.
Question 2: How should insulin be protected from direct sunlight?
- Store in an opaque container or a dark area away from windows (Correct answer)
- Expose briefly to sunlight to warm it before injection
- Sunlight has no effect on insulin potency
- Store in a clear container on a sunny windowsill
Correct answer: Store in an opaque container or a dark area away from windows
Ultraviolet light degrades insulin, so it must be kept away from direct sunlight and stored in opaque containers or dark locations.
Question 3: When traveling with a resident's insulin, which condition is most important to maintain?
- Keep insulin in an insulated case to protect from temperature extremes (Correct answer)
- Carry insulin in checked baggage to avoid airport screening
- Store insulin loose in a bag without any protective container
- Leave insulin at the facility since it cannot be transported
Correct answer: Keep insulin in an insulated case to protect from temperature extremes
During transport, insulin must be kept in an insulated case to protect it from heat, cold extremes, and light, preserving its potency.
Question 4: What does 'U-100' printed on an insulin vial label indicate?
- There are 100 units of insulin per milliliter (Correct answer)
- The vial contains 100 total milliliters
- The insulin expires in 100 days
- The insulin requires a 100-gauge needle
Correct answer: There are 100 units of insulin per milliliter
U-100 means the insulin concentration is 100 units per milliliter, which is the standard concentration used in the United States.
Question 5: A QMA notices the expiration date on an insulin vial has passed. What is the correct action?
- Do not use the insulin; report it and obtain a new unexpired vial (Correct answer)
- Use the insulin but document that it is expired
- Use the insulin if it still looks clear and normal
- Ask a supervisor if the insulin can be used just this once
Correct answer: Do not use the insulin; report it and obtain a new unexpired vial
Expired insulin must never be administered; it should be reported to the appropriate supervisor and replaced with a current, unexpired vial.
Question 6: When using an insulin vial, what is the correct technique for withdrawing insulin to avoid contamination?
- Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab before each withdrawal (Correct answer)
- Insert the needle without cleaning the stopper to prevent residue
- Wipe the stopper with a dry cotton ball
- Use the same needle for multiple withdrawals from the same vial
Correct answer: Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab before each withdrawal
The rubber stopper of the insulin vial must be cleaned with a fresh alcohol swab before each needle insertion to prevent microbial contamination.
QMA Insulin QMA Insulin Storage and Handling 2
Which of the following is the correct way to handle an insulin pen cartridge that has not been used for several days?