QMA Insulin Understanding Diabetes and Insulin 4

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of rapid-acting insulin analogs such as insulin lispro?

Accepted Answer

They mimic the body's mealtime insulin response by acting quickly

Answer

Rapid-acting insulins are designed to be taken with meals and quickly peak to handle the rise in blood glucose from food intake.

Question 2

Basal insulin is intended to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Provide a continuous low-level of insulin coverage over 24 hours

Answer

Basal insulin provides a steady background level of insulin to control blood glucose between meals and overnight.

Question 3

A resident's order reads: 'Give insulin glargine 20 units subcutaneously at bedtime.' What type of insulin is this?

Accepted Answer

Long-acting basal

Answer

Insulin glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin analog that provides a relatively flat, peakless insulin level for approximately 24 hours.

Question 4

NPH insulin is classified as which type of insulin?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate-acting

Answer

NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) is an intermediate-acting insulin with a peak action occurring several hours after injection.

Question 5

When mixing NPH and regular insulin in the same syringe, what is the correct order of withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Draw regular insulin first, then NPH

Answer

The mnemonic 'clear before cloudy' means regular (clear) insulin is drawn first to prevent contaminating the regular insulin vial with NPH.

(QMA Insulin) Qualified Medication Aides Insulin Practice Test