Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an intradermal injection. Which of the following angles of insertion is appropriate for this route?
- A90-degree angle
- B45-degree angle
- C75-degree angle
- D15-degree angle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 15-degree angle
Intradermal injections are administered into the dermis, just below the epidermis. A shallow angle of 10 to 15 degrees is used to ensure the medication is deposited correctly within this layer, creating a wheal.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A 90-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections.
- B. A 45-degree angle is used for subcutaneous injections.
- C. A 75-degree angle is not standard for any common injection route.
Intradermal Injection Angle
The intradermal injection angle is typically 10 to 15 degrees, with the bevel of the needle facing up, to deposit medication into the dermal layer of the skin.
- Shallowest angle of common injection routes.
- Used for allergy testing and TB screening.
- Forms a small wheal or bleb on the skin surface.
Memory trick: ID=15, SC=45, IM=90 (degrees)