What is the recommended angle for an intramuscular injection?

What is the recommended angle for an intramuscular injection?

• A. 45 degrees
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 30 degrees
• D. 15 degrees

Answer: (B)

For intramuscular injections, the recommended angle is 90 degrees. This angle ensures that the needle penetrates the muscle layer adequately, allowing for the medication to be delivered deep into the muscle tissue. Administering the injection at this angle helps achieve a more effective absorption of the medication due to the rich vascular supply in the muscle, which can facilitate faster delivery into the bloodstream. Using the correct angle is crucial in minimizing tissue irritation and ensuring that the medicine is distributed properly, as the subcutaneous tissue is bypassed.

Other angles, such as 45 degrees or 30 degrees, are typically associated with subcutaneous injections, where the medication is deposited in the fatty tissue beneath the skin rather than directly into the muscle. A 15-degree angle would be too shallow for effective intramuscular administration and is not appropriate for this purpose.