INDIANA QMA INSULIN
ADMINISTRATION EXAM Questions and
Answers With rationales 2026 update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified rationales
Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
,───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
Which of the following is the primary function of insulin in the body?
A) To stimulate the liver to release glucose
B) To facilitate the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into
the cells
C) To break down glycogen into glucose
D) To excrete excess glucose through the kidneys
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin acts as a key that allows glucose to leave the
bloodstream and enter the cells, where it is used for energy.
A QMA is preparing to administer insulin. Which of the following is
the most important action to prevent medication errors?
A) Asking the resident what type of insulin they usually take
B) Verifying the medication order against the Medication
Administration Record (MAR)
C) Checking the insulin vial expiration date only once a month
D) Administering the insulin based on the resident's appetite
Answer: B
Rationale: The "Right Medication" is a core standard of medication
administration. The QMA must always verify the order on the MAR
before drawing up or administering any insulin.
Where should unopened insulin vials be stored?
A) In a warm, dry cabinet
B) At room temperature on the medication cart
C) In the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
D) In the freezer to maintain potency
Answer: C
,Rationale: Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator
until it is needed. It should never be frozen, as freezing destroys the
medication.
Once an insulin vial is opened, how should it be stored according to
standard guidelines?
A) It must remain in the refrigerator at all times.
B) It can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days, away
from direct heat and light.
C) It must be discarded after 7 days.
D) It should be placed in a sealed bag in the freezer.
Answer: B
Rationale: Opened insulin vials can be kept at room temperature
(below 86°F) for up to 28 days, making administration more
comfortable for the resident.
Which type of insulin has a rapid onset of action, usually within 15
minutes?
A) Regular insulin (Humulin R)
B) NPH insulin (Humulin N)
C) Lispro insulin (Humalog)
D) Glargine insulin (Lantus)
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog that begins working
within 15 minutes, making it ideal for administering right before a
meal.
A resident is ordered to receive Regular insulin at 0730. When
should the QMA expect this insulin to reach its peak action?
A) 15 to 30 minutes
B) 2 to 4 hours
C) 6 to 8 hours
D) 12 to 24 hours
, Answer: B
Rationale: Regular (short-acting) insulin has an onset of 30 to 60
minutes and reaches its peak action in 2 to 4 hours.
Which insulin is classified as intermediate-acting?
A) Aspart (Novolog)
B) Glulisine (Apidra)
C) NPH (Humulin N)
D) Detemir (Levemir)
Answer: C
Rationale: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Its onset is 1 to 2
hours, it peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and its duration is up to 24 hours.
What is the primary characteristic of a "peakless" or basal insulin,
such as Glargine (Lantus)?
A) It must be mixed with regular insulin before administration.
B) It has a steady, continuous release with no pronounced peak.
C) It is only used in emergency situations for severe hypoglycemia.
D) It is administered intravenously for rapid results.
Answer: B
Rationale: Long-acting insulins like Glargine are designed to mimic
the basal insulin secretion of the pancreas, providing a steady,
peakless release over 24 hours.
When preparing a dose of NPH insulin, what must the QMA do
immediately before drawing the medication into the syringe?
A) Shake the vial vigorously for 10 seconds.
B) Roll the vial gently between the palms of the hands.
C) Heat the vial under warm running water.
D) Leave the vial completely undisturbed.
Answer: B
ADMINISTRATION EXAM Questions and
Answers With rationales 2026 update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified rationales
Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
,───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
Which of the following is the primary function of insulin in the body?
A) To stimulate the liver to release glucose
B) To facilitate the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into
the cells
C) To break down glycogen into glucose
D) To excrete excess glucose through the kidneys
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin acts as a key that allows glucose to leave the
bloodstream and enter the cells, where it is used for energy.
A QMA is preparing to administer insulin. Which of the following is
the most important action to prevent medication errors?
A) Asking the resident what type of insulin they usually take
B) Verifying the medication order against the Medication
Administration Record (MAR)
C) Checking the insulin vial expiration date only once a month
D) Administering the insulin based on the resident's appetite
Answer: B
Rationale: The "Right Medication" is a core standard of medication
administration. The QMA must always verify the order on the MAR
before drawing up or administering any insulin.
Where should unopened insulin vials be stored?
A) In a warm, dry cabinet
B) At room temperature on the medication cart
C) In the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
D) In the freezer to maintain potency
Answer: C
,Rationale: Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator
until it is needed. It should never be frozen, as freezing destroys the
medication.
Once an insulin vial is opened, how should it be stored according to
standard guidelines?
A) It must remain in the refrigerator at all times.
B) It can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days, away
from direct heat and light.
C) It must be discarded after 7 days.
D) It should be placed in a sealed bag in the freezer.
Answer: B
Rationale: Opened insulin vials can be kept at room temperature
(below 86°F) for up to 28 days, making administration more
comfortable for the resident.
Which type of insulin has a rapid onset of action, usually within 15
minutes?
A) Regular insulin (Humulin R)
B) NPH insulin (Humulin N)
C) Lispro insulin (Humalog)
D) Glargine insulin (Lantus)
Answer: C
Rationale: Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog that begins working
within 15 minutes, making it ideal for administering right before a
meal.
A resident is ordered to receive Regular insulin at 0730. When
should the QMA expect this insulin to reach its peak action?
A) 15 to 30 minutes
B) 2 to 4 hours
C) 6 to 8 hours
D) 12 to 24 hours
, Answer: B
Rationale: Regular (short-acting) insulin has an onset of 30 to 60
minutes and reaches its peak action in 2 to 4 hours.
Which insulin is classified as intermediate-acting?
A) Aspart (Novolog)
B) Glulisine (Apidra)
C) NPH (Humulin N)
D) Detemir (Levemir)
Answer: C
Rationale: NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Its onset is 1 to 2
hours, it peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and its duration is up to 24 hours.
What is the primary characteristic of a "peakless" or basal insulin,
such as Glargine (Lantus)?
A) It must be mixed with regular insulin before administration.
B) It has a steady, continuous release with no pronounced peak.
C) It is only used in emergency situations for severe hypoglycemia.
D) It is administered intravenously for rapid results.
Answer: B
Rationale: Long-acting insulins like Glargine are designed to mimic
the basal insulin secretion of the pancreas, providing a steady,
peakless release over 24 hours.
When preparing a dose of NPH insulin, what must the QMA do
immediately before drawing the medication into the syringe?
A) Shake the vial vigorously for 10 seconds.
B) Roll the vial gently between the palms of the hands.
C) Heat the vial under warm running water.
D) Leave the vial completely undisturbed.
Answer: B
