QMA Insulin Administration Technique 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before administering a subcutaneous insulin injection, the QMA should clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and then:
- Inject immediately while the skin is still wet
- Allow the alcohol to dry completely before injecting (Correct answer)
- Blow on the site to speed drying
- Wipe off the alcohol with a dry gauze before injecting
Correct answer: Allow the alcohol to dry completely before injecting
Allowing alcohol to dry completely before injection prevents stinging and reduces the risk of introducing alcohol into the tissue.
Question 2: An insulin pen needle should be primed before each injection to:
- Warm the insulin to body temperature
- Remove air bubbles and confirm the pen is working correctly (Correct answer)
- Check blood glucose levels
- Extend the shelf life of the insulin cartridge
Correct answer: Remove air bubbles and confirm the pen is working correctly
Priming removes air from the needle and verifies that insulin flows properly, ensuring accurate dose delivery.
Question 3: When using a U-100 insulin syringe to draw up 22 units of insulin, the QMA should fill the syringe to the:
- 22 cc mark
- 22 unit mark (Correct answer)
- 0.22 mL mark and verify with a nurse
- 22 mL mark
Correct answer: 22 unit mark
On a U-100 insulin syringe, each unit mark corresponds to one unit of U-100 insulin, so 22 units aligns with the 22-unit mark.
Question 4: A patient with thin subcutaneous tissue requires an insulin injection. The QMA should:
- Use a longer needle and a 90-degree angle
- Pinch the skin and use a 45-degree angle (Correct answer)
- Skip the injection and notify the pharmacy
- Apply pressure to create more tissue before injecting
Correct answer: Pinch the skin and use a 45-degree angle
Pinching the skin and using a 45-degree angle helps ensure the needle reaches the subcutaneous layer without entering muscle in thin patients.
Question 5: Which action is required before each insulin administration regardless of the setting?
- Check the patient's blood pressure
- Verify the patient's identity using two identifiers (Correct answer)
- Obtain a physician order each time
- Test the insulin vial for sterility
Correct answer: Verify the patient's identity using two identifiers
Using two patient identifiers before every medication administration is a universal safety requirement to prevent medication errors.
Question 6: When rotating injection sites within the abdomen, the QMA should space injections at least:
- 1 cm apart
- 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) apart (Correct answer)
- 5 cm apart
- 10 cm apart
Correct answer: 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) apart
Sites should be spaced at least 2–3 cm (approximately 1 inch) apart to prevent lipohypertrophy and ensure consistent absorption.
Question 7: An insulin pen cartridge that has been in use should be stored at:
- In the freezer between uses
- Room temperature (below 77°F/25°C) away from heat and light (Correct answer)
- In the refrigerator at all times
- At any temperature since it is already opened
Correct answer: Room temperature (below 77°F/25°C) away from heat and light
In-use insulin pens are kept at room temperature (up to 77°F) because cold insulin can cause pain on injection and may affect activity.
QMA Insulin Administration Technique 3
Before administering a subcutaneous insulin injection, the QMA should clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and then: