Types and Administration Techniques Flashcards

A resident receives both a long-acting and a rapid-acting insulin. Which statement about administering these two insulins is correct?

Answer: Long-acting analogs (glargine, detemir) should NOT be mixed with other insulins

Long-acting insulin analogs like glargine and detemir must not be mixed with other insulins because it alters their pharmacokinetic profiles.

Which needle gauge is most commonly used for subcutaneous insulin injections?

Answer: 28–31 gauge

Insulin syringes and pen needles typically use 28–31 gauge needles, which are fine enough to minimize pain and trauma.

A thin, elderly resident requires an insulin injection. Which technique modification is most appropriate?

Answer: Use a 45-degree angle or pinch the skin to avoid IM injection

In thin patients, using a 45-degree angle or creating a skin fold reduces the risk of inadvertent intramuscular injection.

Insulin glulisine (Apidra) belongs to which insulin classification?

Answer: Rapid-acting analog

Glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analog with an onset of 5–15 minutes, similar to lispro and aspart.

How should a QMA document insulin administration after giving the dose?

Answer: Document the dose given, site used, resident's response, and any observations immediately after administration

Accurate, immediate documentation of dose, site, time, and resident response is required for continuity of care and legal accountability.

Which of the following would indicate improper subcutaneous insulin technique resulting in intramuscular injection?

Answer: Faster and more intense glucose-lowering effect with greater variability

Intramuscular injection causes faster and more unpredictable insulin absorption due to greater blood supply in muscle tissue.

A vial of insulin is taken directly from the refrigerator. Before injecting, the QMA should:

Answer: Roll the vial gently between palms to warm it to room temperature

Rolling the vial gently warms the insulin, reducing injection discomfort and ensuring any suspension (like NPH) is evenly mixed without causing air bubbles.