QMA INSULIN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield QMA INSULIN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which finger site is generally preferred for blood glucose testing in adults? → Lateral side of the fingertip
2. A QMA is preparing to perform a fingerstick blood glucose test on a resident. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate site for the puncture? → The side of the fingertip
3. A resident with diabetes complains of headache, fatigue, and increased thirst. Their blood glucose is 310 mg/dL. The QMA should classify this as: → Hyperglycemia requiring nurse notification and monitoring
4. Under HIPAA, a QMA may share a resident's insulin dosage information with: → A member of the care team directly involved in the resident's care
5. Which action would place a QMA OUTSIDE their scope of practice? → Independently deciding to hold insulin because blood glucose seems normal
6. A QMA's supervising nurse is unavailable and a resident's blood glucose reading is critically high. What should the QMA do? → Contact another available licensed nurse or supervisor immediately
7. Which of the following is the correct order for documenting insulin administration? → Document immediately after administration
8. Which of the following is the most critical element for a QMA to verify before administering insulin based on a sliding scale? → The resident's current blood glucose reading.
9. When disposing of a used insulin syringe, the QMA must: → Place it immediately into an approved sharps container without recapping
10. What does 'delegation' mean in the context of QMA insulin administration? → A licensed nurse formally authorizes the QMA to perform a specific nursing task
11. When preparing an insulin dose using a vial and syringe, air bubbles are noticed in the syringe. The QMA should: → Tap the syringe and push bubbles back into the vial, then re-draw the correct amount
12. A resident's blood glucose is 320 mg/dL. The nurse is not immediately available. What should the QMA do? → Document the result and keep trying to reach the nurse
13. Which action by a QMA during insulin administration violates standard safety practice? → Drawing up insulin in a brightly lit hallway where other staff pass
14. Which symptom is most commonly associated with hyperglycemia? → Increased urination and thirst
15. How should an insulin vial be handled if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 28 days? → Discard the vial and obtain a new one
16. Which type of insulin is NOT within QMA scope to administer without additional facility-specific authorization? → Intravenous insulin infusions
17. A resident's blood glucose is 58 mg/dL just before their scheduled insulin dose. What should the QMA do? → Hold the insulin dose and immediately notify the nurse
18. What is the correct action after completing an insulin injection before removing the needle? → Count to 5–10 seconds before withdrawing to ensure full dose delivery
19. A resident receiving insulin is found unconscious and unresponsive. What is the QMA's FIRST action? → Call for the nurse immediately and do not leave the resident
20. When teaching a patient about insulin injection technique, the QMA should instruct them to inject into: → Subcutaneous tissue just below the skin
21. A QMA must document rotation of injection sites. Which body region is COMMONLY used and must be accurately charted? → Abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks
22. What is the preferred injection site for insulin administration? → Abdomen
23. How far from the navel should insulin injections be avoided? → 2 inches (5 cm)
24. After administering insulin, the QMA observes the resident becoming sweaty and confused. What is the priority action? → Notify the supervising nurse immediately and stay with the resident
25. Which action by a QMA constitutes medication fraud? → Recording insulin as administered when it was not given
26. A QMA is asked by a supervisor to skip a resident's blood glucose check before insulin to save time. The QMA should: → Refuse and follow the standard protocol, reporting the request to a nurse
27. Under what circumstances must a QMA with insulin certification NOT administer insulin, even if there is a physician's order? → The facility's policy on insulin administration by a QMA is not available for review.
28. A resident's blood glucose log shows consistent readings above 200 mg/dL before meals. The QMA should recognize this as a sign of which condition? → Hyperglycemia
29. A resident is shaking, pale, and confused. The blood glucose reads 48 mg/dL. What should the QMA do first? → Notify the nurse immediately
30. A patient with very little subcutaneous fat needs an insulin injection. What adjustment might be necessary? → Use a shorter needle and/or the pinch-up technique