Types and Administration Techniques Flashcards

Which insulin type has the longest duration of action and is typically given once or twice daily for basal coverage?

Answer: Glargine (Lantus)

Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin with a duration of approximately 24 hours, used for basal glucose control.

When administering insulin, at what angle should a standard 1/2-inch needle be inserted in an average-weight adult?

Answer: 90 degrees

A 90-degree angle is used with a standard 1/2-inch needle in average-weight adults to ensure subcutaneous delivery.

Insulin detemir (Levemir) differs from insulin glargine in that it:

Answer: May require twice-daily dosing in some patients

Insulin detemir may have a shorter duration in some patients and is sometimes dosed twice daily to achieve full 24-hour coverage.

A resident's insulin pen needle has been used for three injections. What action should the QMA take?

Answer: Replace the needle with a new one before the next injection

Insulin pen needles are single-use; reuse increases infection risk and causes needle barbing that makes injections more painful.

When mixing NPH and regular insulin in the same syringe, which is drawn up first?

Answer: Regular insulin

Regular (clear) insulin is drawn first to prevent contaminating the regular insulin vial with NPH (cloudy) insulin.

Which of the following insulin types should NEVER be given intravenously?

Answer: Insulin glargine

Insulin glargine (Lantus) must never be given IV because its acidic pH can cause serious adverse reactions when administered intravenously.

A patient requires a 22-unit insulin dose. After drawing air into the syringe equal to the dose, you inject the air into the vial and then withdraw insulin but notice an air bubble. What is the correct next step?

Answer: Tap the syringe and push the bubble out, then recheck the dose

Tapping the syringe to move air bubbles to the top and then expelling them ensures an accurate dose is delivered.