When administering a subcutaneous injection, what is the typical angle for needle insertion?

For subcutaneous injections, the typical angle for needle insertion is indeed 45 degrees. This angle allows for the needle to effectively penetrate the subcutaneous tissue, which lies just beneath the dermis of the skin. When the needle is inserted at 45 degrees, it reduces the risk of injecting the medication too deeply into the muscle, which can occur if the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle, thereby ensuring that the medication is delivered into the fatty tissue where it is intended to be absorbed.

The 15-degree angle is too shallow and may lead to the needle not fully entering the subcutaneous tissue, causing ineffective delivery of the medication. A 25-degree angle is unusual and does not align with standard practices for subcutaneous injections, which typically utilize the 45-degree angle for optimal results. Therefore, inserting the needle at a 45-degree angle is the recommended practice for ensuring proper administration of subcutaneous medications.