QMA Insulin QMA Insulin Storage and Handling

Question 1

At what temperature range should unopened insulin vials be stored to maintain potency?

Accepted Answer

36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the refrigerator

Answer

Below 32°F (0°C) in the freezer

Answer

68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) at room temperature

Answer

Above 85°F (29°C) in a warm cabinet

Question 2

How long can an opened insulin vial typically be kept at room temperature before it must be discarded?

Accepted Answer

28 days

Answer

7 days

Answer

90 days

Answer

6 months

Question 3

What should a QMA do if insulin appears cloudy, discolored, or has visible particles (for a type that should be clear)?

Accepted Answer

Discard the insulin and obtain a new vial

Answer

Shake the vial vigorously to dissolve particles

Answer

Warm the vial under hot water

Answer

Use the insulin but document the appearance

Question 4

Why should insulin never be frozen?

Accepted Answer

Freezing destroys the protein structure, making it ineffective

Answer

Freezing causes insulin to become too concentrated

Answer

Freezing makes insulin unsafe to inject due to ice crystals

Answer

Freezing changes the color of insulin permanently

Question 5

When rolling (not shaking) an insulin vial before use, what type of insulin requires this step?

Accepted Answer

NPH (intermediate-acting cloudy insulin)

Answer

Regular (short-acting clear insulin)

Answer

Glargine (long-acting clear insulin)

Answer

Aspart (rapid-acting clear insulin)

Question 6

What is the correct action when an insulin pen is exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C) for an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Discard the pen and use a new one

Answer

Place it in the freezer immediately to restore potency

Answer

Shake the pen to re-activate the insulin

Answer

Continue to use it but administer a larger dose