What degree is used for a subcutaneous injection?

What degree is used for a subcutaneous injection?

• A. 90 Degrees
• B. 45 Degrees
• C. 15 Degrees
• D. 1 Inch Border

Answer: (B)

When giving a subcutaneous injection, the goal is to place the medicine into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, not into muscle. The angle you use determines how deep the needle enters. A 45-degree angle is the typical choice because it reliably deposits the medication into the subcutaneous layer with standard short needles, balancing depth so you don’t go into muscle. A steeper angle like 90 degrees can push the needle deeper and risk intramuscular delivery, especially if the needle length is longer or if there isn’t much fat. A very shallow angle, such as 15 degrees, may not reach the subcutaneous tissue at all and could stay in the skin rather than the fat. The option about an inch border isn’t related to how you insert the needle.

When giving a subcutaneous injection, the goal is to place the medicine into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, not into muscle. The angle you use determines how deep the needle enters. A 45-degree angle is the typical choice because it reliably deposits the medication into the subcutaneous layer with standard short needles, balancing depth so you don’t go into muscle.

A steeper angle like 90 degrees can push the needle deeper and risk intramuscular delivery, especially if the needle length is longer or if there isn’t much fat. A very shallow angle, such as 15 degrees, may not reach the subcutaneous tissue at all and could stay in the skin rather than the fat. The option about an inch border isn’t related to how you insert the needle.