Administration Technique Flashcards

If a QMA accidentally injects insulin into a muscle (intramuscular instead of subcutaneous), the primary concern is:

Answer: Faster absorption leading to hypoglycemia

Intramuscular injection causes faster insulin absorption, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

The QMA notes that the prescribed insulin vial appears cloudy when it should be clear. The correct action is to:

Answer: Withhold the dose and report to the supervising nurse immediately

Cloudy appearance in a normally clear insulin (e.g., regular insulin) indicates contamination or degradation; the dose should be withheld and reported.

After an insulin injection, the QMA observes a small amount of insulin leaking from the injection site. The best response is to:

Answer: Document the observation and report to the nurse for guidance

Leakage may indicate the patient received less insulin than prescribed; documentation and nursing notification are required to determine appropriate follow-up.

Which needle length is most commonly used for subcutaneous insulin injection in adults of average build?

Answer: 4–6 mm pen needle

Short 4–6 mm pen needles are recommended for most adults to reliably target the subcutaneous layer without reaching muscle.

The abbreviation 'subQ' on a medication order means the insulin should be administered:

Answer: Into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin

SubQ (subcutaneous) refers to the layer of adipose tissue beneath the dermis, which is the correct route for insulin.

A QMA using an insulin pen must attach a new needle:

Answer: Each time a new injection is given

A new sterile needle must be attached for every injection to maintain sterility and needle sharpness, reducing pain and infection risk.

What is the primary purpose of gently rolling (not shaking) an NPH insulin vial before drawing it up?

Answer: To resuspend the insulin particles that have settled

NPH insulin contains suspended particles that settle; rolling mixes them evenly without creating air bubbles from shaking.