INDIANA QMA INSULIN
ADMINISTRATION ADVANCED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the correct procedure for mixing Regular and NPH insulin
in a single syringe?
A. Draw NPH first, then Regular to prevent contamination.
B. Mix them in equal parts regardless of the physician’s order.
C. Draw Regular first, then NPH to prevent contaminating the short-acting vial.
D. Shake both vials vigorously before drawing the medication.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: When mixing insulin, you must draw the ‘clear’ (Regular) insulin
first, followed by the ‘cloudy’ (NPH) insulin to prevent contaminating the rapid-acting vial
with intermediate-acting insulin.
2. A Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in Indiana is permitted to perform which of the
following tasks regarding insulin?
A. Administer a pre-calculated dose of insulin via a subcutaneous route.
B. Calculate the dose for a sliding scale order.
,C. Adjust the insulin dosage based on the resident’s carbohydrate intake.
D. Administer insulin via an intravenous line.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Under Indiana regulations, a QMA can administer insulin but
cannot calculate doses or adjust orders; they must follow specific, pre-calculated physician
orders.
3. What is the primary physiological function of insulin in the human body?
A. To facilitate the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells.
B. To stimulate the breakdown of fats for energy.
C. To increase the production of glucose in the liver.
D. To decrease the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin acts as a ‘key’ that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to
enter from the bloodstream to be used for energy.
4. Which type of insulin has no peak and provides a steady level of insulin for 24 hours?
A. Lispro (Humalog)
B. Glargine (Lantus)
C. Regular (Humulin R)
, D. NPH (Humulin N)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that is designed to have
no peak and lasts approximately 24 hours.
5. What is the most common side effect of insulin administration?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most frequent and
potentially dangerous complication of insulin therapy.
6. A resident presents with shakiness, diaphoresis (sweating), and confusion. What is the
most likely cause?
A. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
B. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Insulin Resistance
ADMINISTRATION ADVANCED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the correct procedure for mixing Regular and NPH insulin
in a single syringe?
A. Draw NPH first, then Regular to prevent contamination.
B. Mix them in equal parts regardless of the physician’s order.
C. Draw Regular first, then NPH to prevent contaminating the short-acting vial.
D. Shake both vials vigorously before drawing the medication.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: When mixing insulin, you must draw the ‘clear’ (Regular) insulin
first, followed by the ‘cloudy’ (NPH) insulin to prevent contaminating the rapid-acting vial
with intermediate-acting insulin.
2. A Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in Indiana is permitted to perform which of the
following tasks regarding insulin?
A. Administer a pre-calculated dose of insulin via a subcutaneous route.
B. Calculate the dose for a sliding scale order.
,C. Adjust the insulin dosage based on the resident’s carbohydrate intake.
D. Administer insulin via an intravenous line.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Under Indiana regulations, a QMA can administer insulin but
cannot calculate doses or adjust orders; they must follow specific, pre-calculated physician
orders.
3. What is the primary physiological function of insulin in the human body?
A. To facilitate the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells.
B. To stimulate the breakdown of fats for energy.
C. To increase the production of glucose in the liver.
D. To decrease the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin acts as a ‘key’ that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to
enter from the bloodstream to be used for energy.
4. Which type of insulin has no peak and provides a steady level of insulin for 24 hours?
A. Lispro (Humalog)
B. Glargine (Lantus)
C. Regular (Humulin R)
, D. NPH (Humulin N)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that is designed to have
no peak and lasts approximately 24 hours.
5. What is the most common side effect of insulin administration?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most frequent and
potentially dangerous complication of insulin therapy.
6. A resident presents with shakiness, diaphoresis (sweating), and confusion. What is the
most likely cause?
A. Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
B. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Insulin Resistance
