What angle should a deltoid injection be administered at?

A deltoid injection should be administered at a 90-degree angle to ensure that the medication is delivered directly into the muscle tissue. This angle allows for effective penetration of the needle into the deltoid muscle, which is essential for the medication to be absorbed properly and to minimize discomfort.

The deltoid muscle is located at the shoulder and offers a good site for intramuscular injections, particularly for vaccines and certain medications. Administering the injection at a 90-degree angle provides a straight path for the needle, which helps in reaching the muscle layer immediately beneath the subcutaneous tissue. This technique reduces the risk of hitting underlying structures, such as nerves or blood vessels, which could occur if the injection were to be delivered at a shallower angle.

In contrast, the other specified angles would not be appropriate for an intramuscular injection in this location. For example, angles like 30 degrees or 15 degrees might not provide sufficient depth for intramuscular delivery, while an angle of 45 degrees could also risk injecting into the subcutaneous tissue rather than the muscle. Thus, a 90-degree angle is the standard practice for administering a deltoid injection.