INDIANA QMA INSULIN
ADMINISTRATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which cells in the pancreas are specifically responsible for the secretion of insulin?
A. Alpha cells
B. Delta cells
C. Beta cells
D. Gamma cells
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin is produced and secreted by the beta cells located in the
Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
2. According to Indiana QMA regulations, which of the following tasks is prohibited for a
QMA?
A. Administering a pre-calculated dose of insulin via a pen
B. Observing a resident for signs of hypoglycemia
C. Calculating a sliding scale insulin dose independently
D. Documenting the site of insulin administration
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Indiana QMAs may administer insulin but are generally not
permitted to calculate doses; the dose must be clearly defined by the physician or verified
by an RN.
3. What is the primary physiological action of insulin in the human body?
A. To stimulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose
B. To increase the production of ketones for energy
C. To facilitate the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells
D. To slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin acts as a ‘key’ that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to
enter from the bloodstream to be used for energy or storage.
4. Which type of insulin is classified as ‘Rapid-Acting’ and typically has an onset of 15
minutes?
A. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
B. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
C. Insulin Isophane (NPH)
D. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine are rapid-acting insulins
with a very quick onset, usually around 15 minutes.
5. A resident presents with diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diaphoresis (sweating), tremors, and confusion are classic ‘cool
and clammy’ signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
6. What is the standard concentration for most insulin used in long-term care facilities?
A. U-100
B. U-50
C. U-500
D. U-200
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: U-100 is the standard concentration, meaning there are 100
units of insulin per milliliter of fluid.
ADMINISTRATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which cells in the pancreas are specifically responsible for the secretion of insulin?
A. Alpha cells
B. Delta cells
C. Beta cells
D. Gamma cells
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin is produced and secreted by the beta cells located in the
Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
2. According to Indiana QMA regulations, which of the following tasks is prohibited for a
QMA?
A. Administering a pre-calculated dose of insulin via a pen
B. Observing a resident for signs of hypoglycemia
C. Calculating a sliding scale insulin dose independently
D. Documenting the site of insulin administration
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Indiana QMAs may administer insulin but are generally not
permitted to calculate doses; the dose must be clearly defined by the physician or verified
by an RN.
3. What is the primary physiological action of insulin in the human body?
A. To stimulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose
B. To increase the production of ketones for energy
C. To facilitate the transport of glucose from the blood into the cells
D. To slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Insulin acts as a ‘key’ that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to
enter from the bloodstream to be used for energy or storage.
4. Which type of insulin is classified as ‘Rapid-Acting’ and typically has an onset of 15
minutes?
A. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
B. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
C. Insulin Isophane (NPH)
D. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Insulin Lispro, Aspart, and Glulisine are rapid-acting insulins
with a very quick onset, usually around 15 minutes.
5. A resident presents with diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. What is the most likely
condition?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Diaphoresis (sweating), tremors, and confusion are classic ‘cool
and clammy’ signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
6. What is the standard concentration for most insulin used in long-term care facilities?
A. U-100
B. U-50
C. U-500
D. U-200
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: U-100 is the standard concentration, meaning there are 100
units of insulin per milliliter of fluid.
