Administration Technique Flashcards

When drawing up insulin from a vial, what is the correct first step?

Answer: Inject air equal to the dose into the vial

Injecting air equal to the prescribed dose into the vial before withdrawing insulin prevents a vacuum and allows for easier withdrawal.

A QMA is preparing to give a subcutaneous insulin injection. At what angle should the needle be inserted for a patient with adequate subcutaneous tissue?

Answer: 90 degrees

A 90-degree angle is used for patients with adequate subcutaneous tissue to ensure proper subcutaneous delivery.

Which site is generally NOT recommended for routine insulin injections?

Answer: Calf

The calf is not a recommended insulin injection site due to poor subcutaneous tissue and unpredictable absorption.

After administering an insulin injection, the QMA should:

Answer: Place the uncapped needle directly into a sharps container

Uncapped needles must be placed directly into an approved sharps container immediately after use to prevent needlestick injuries.

When combining regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe, which should be drawn up first?

Answer: Regular (clear)

Clear (regular) insulin is always drawn up before cloudy (NPH) insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial.

How long should the needle remain inserted after injecting insulin when using a standard insulin syringe?

Answer: Hold for 5–10 seconds

Holding the needle in place for 5–10 seconds after injection helps ensure all insulin is delivered and reduces leakage.

A resident's insulin injection site shows redness and a raised lump (lipohypertrophy). The QMA should:

Answer: Rotate to a different injection site and report to the nurse

Lipohypertrophy indicates overuse of a site; the QMA should rotate sites and report the finding to the supervising nurse.