How are subcutaneous injections given?

How are subcutaneous injections given?

• A. Pinch the skin and insert at a 15 degree angle.
• B. Pinch the skin and insert at a 30 degree angle.
• C. Bunch up the skin in your hand to pull the subcutaneous fat away from the muscle, insert the needle at a 45 degree angle bevel up, inject the vaccine slowly.
• D. Insert the needle at a 90 degree angle without pinching.

Answer: (C)

Subcutaneous injections deposit medication into the fat just under the skin, not the muscle. To keep the shot in the fatty layer, you gently bunch up the skin so the tissue you’re aiming for stays separate from the underlying muscle. Using a 45-degree insertion angle helps the needle reach the fat instead of deeper muscle tissue, and having the bevel up facilitates a smoother entry. Injecting slowly reduces discomfort and helps with even distribution of the vaccine. Angles like 15 degrees or 30 degrees are not ideal for reliably staying in the subcutaneous tissue, and a 90-degree angle without pinching increases the chance of hitting muscle.

Subcutaneous injections deposit medication into the fat just under the skin, not the muscle. To keep the shot in the fatty layer, you gently bunch up the skin so the tissue you’re aiming for stays separate from the underlying muscle. Using a 45-degree insertion angle helps the needle reach the fat instead of deeper muscle tissue, and having the bevel up facilitates a smoother entry. Injecting slowly reduces discomfort and helps with even distribution of the vaccine. Angles like 15 degrees or 30 degrees are not ideal for reliably staying in the subcutaneous tissue, and a 90-degree angle without pinching increases the chance of hitting muscle.