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. Which of the following is the correct order for documenting insulin administration? → Document immediately after administration
5. 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.
6. What does 'delegation' mean in the context of QMA insulin administration? → A licensed nurse formally authorizes the QMA to perform a specific nursing task
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. When teaching a patient about insulin injection technique, the QMA should instruct them to inject into: → Subcutaneous tissue just below the skin
12. What is the preferred injection site for insulin administration? → Abdomen
13. How far from the navel should insulin injections be avoided? → 2 inches (5 cm)
14. 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
15. 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.
16. 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
17. A resident is shaking, pale, and confused. The blood glucose reads 48 mg/dL. What should the QMA do first? → Notify the nurse immediately
18. 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
19. Which of the following is typically part of a QMA’s training when learning to administer insulin? → Proper needle disposal
20. What is a systematic rotation pattern that helps ensure all injection sites are used evenly? → Dividing the site into quadrants and rotating through them
21. If a QMA's insulin administration certification lapses due to failure to renew, the correct action is to: → Immediately stop administering insulin and complete renewal requirements before resuming
22. How far apart should insulin injections be spaced within the same anatomical area? → At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
23. How long should the needle remain inserted after injecting insulin when using a standard insulin syringe? → Hold for 5–10 seconds
24. Which technique best protects a QMA from a needlestick injury during insulin administration? → Using a safety-engineered syringe with an automatic needle shield
25. Why should insulin never be frozen? → Freezing destroys the protein structure, making it ineffective
26. When documenting insulin administration, which blood glucose value would require the QMA to withhold the dose AND document a parameter hold? → 58 mg/dL
27. A QMA is asked by a family member to administer an extra insulin dose because the resident 'seems high.' What should the QMA do? → Decline and notify the nurse, who can assess and determine next steps
28. A sliding scale order includes the instruction 'check glucose AC and HS.' What does 'HS' mean? → At bedtime
29. A resident ate a large meal 30 minutes ago. How does this affect blood glucose testing? → Results will reflect a postprandial rise
30. What PPE should a QMA wear when performing a fingerstick blood glucose test? → Gloves only