Administration Technique Flashcards

Which of the following correctly describes the 'pinch-up' technique used for insulin injection?

Answer: Lifting a fold of skin to elevate subcutaneous tissue away from muscle

The pinch-up technique lifts subcutaneous fat away from underlying muscle, reducing the risk of accidental intramuscular injection.

A resident refuses their scheduled insulin injection. The QMA's first response should be to:

Answer: Document the refusal and notify the supervising nurse

Patient refusal must be documented and reported to the nurse so the care team can address the situation and ensure patient safety.

When preparing an insulin dose using a vial and syringe, air bubbles are noticed in the syringe. The QMA should:

Answer: Tap the syringe and push bubbles back into the vial, then re-draw the correct amount

Tapping the syringe dislodges bubbles to the top, which are then expelled back into the vial before re-drawing the accurate dose.

Which documentation element is essential immediately after administering an insulin injection?

Answer: Time, dose, route, site, and patient response

Accurate documentation of time, dose, route, site, and patient response is legally required and ensures continuity of care.

When administering insulin via pen to an obese patient, the QMA should:

Answer: Use a standard short needle at 90 degrees without pinching

In obese patients with ample subcutaneous fat, a short needle at 90 degrees without pinching safely reaches the subcutaneous layer.

A QMA realizes after injection that the insulin pen was not primed and no insulin appeared at the needle tip during the prime check. This means:

Answer: The patient may have received less than the prescribed dose and the nurse must be notified

Failure to prime may indicate air in the needle, meaning the patient could have received an inaccurate dose; the nurse must be notified immediately.

After withdrawing the needle following an insulin injection, the QMA should apply light pressure to the site with a dry cotton ball or gauze. The reason for NOT rubbing the site is:

Answer: Rubbing can accelerate insulin absorption unpredictably

Rubbing the injection site can increase absorption speed unpredictably, potentially altering the insulin's expected onset and duration.