The Correct Term for a 45-Degree Injection
When a healthcare professional or a patient administers an injection at a 45-degree angle, they are most often performing a subcutaneous injection. The term 'subcutaneous' refers to the layer of fatty tissue, also known as adipose tissue, located just beneath the dermis (the layer of skin below the surface) and above the muscle. This route of administration is chosen for medications that need to be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly and consistently. Unlike the rapid absorption of an intravenous (IV) injection or the quicker absorption of an intramuscular (IM) injection, the subcutaneous route offers a more sustained therapeutic effect, typically over a period of 24 hours for many medications.
The 45-degree angle is a key part of the technique for delivering medication into this specific tissue layer, especially when administering injections to individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI) or less subcutaneous fat. For these patients, a shallower angle is used to avoid penetrating the underlying muscle tissue. In contrast, a 90-degree angle may be used for a subcutaneous injection in patients with a thicker layer of fatty tissue to ensure the medication reaches the intended layer.
Why and How Subcutaneous Injections Are Given
Subcutaneous injections are a standard method for administering a variety of medications and vaccines. This method is preferred for many self-administered drugs because the injection sites are relatively easy to access and the smaller, shorter needles used cause less discomfort. However, proper technique is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Common Uses and Medications
- Insulin: A common example of a medication administered subcutaneously, used to manage diabetes.
- Blood Thinners: Including heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (e.g., enoxaparin), used to prevent blood clots.
- Certain Vaccines: Some vaccines, such as MMR, varicella, and pneumococcal polysaccharide, can be given via the subcutaneous route.
- Fertility Drugs: These are often self-administered subcutaneously.
- Hormonal Therapies: Such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Proper Technique for a 45-Degree Subcutaneous Injection
- Perform Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gather Supplies: Collect the medication, syringe with needle, alcohol swabs, gauze, and a sharps container.
- Prepare the Medication: Ensure the correct medication and dose are prepared, checking for clarity and sediment.
- Select an Injection Site: Choose a site with adequate fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, the outer part of the upper arm, or the anterior thigh. Avoid bruised, swollen, or scarred areas.
- Clean the Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site, moving outward from the center. Allow the skin to air-dry completely.
- Pinch the Skin: Gently pinch a 1-inch fold of skin and fatty tissue with your non-dominant hand. This ensures the injection stays in the subcutaneous layer and does not enter the muscle.
- Insert the Needle: Hold the syringe like a pen and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle with a quick, smooth motion.
- Release the Skin and Inject: Release the pinched skin and push the plunger slowly to inject the medication.
- Withdraw and Apply Pressure: Pull the needle out quickly at the same angle it was inserted. Apply gentle pressure with gauze; do not rub the site.
- Dispose of Sharps Safely: Place the used syringe and needle immediately into a designated sharps container.
Comparison of Injection Types and Angles
Understanding the different angles used for injections is crucial for healthcare practitioners. Each angle corresponds to a different tissue layer, which affects the rate of medication absorption and the type of drug administered. The table below outlines the key differences between three common parenteral injection types.
| Injection Type | Degree of Angle | Target Tissue Layer | Absorption Speed | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous (SC) | 45-90 degrees | Fatty (Adipose) Tissue | Slow, sustained | Insulin, heparin, some vaccines |
| Intramuscular (IM) | 90 degrees | Muscle Tissue | Moderate to fast | Many vaccines, antibiotics, hormones |
| Intradermal (ID) | 5-15 degrees | Dermis (just below epidermis) | Longest, very slow | Sensitivity tests (TB, allergies) |
Importance of Choosing the Correct Angle
Administering an injection at the wrong angle can have significant consequences. For example, giving a medication intended for the subcutaneous layer at a 90-degree angle to a thin patient could result in it entering the muscle. This could alter the drug's absorption rate, potentially leading to faster-than-intended effects or increased pain. Conversely, using a 45-degree angle for a very obese patient might not be sufficient to penetrate the subcutaneous tissue, causing the medication to be injected too superficially.
Choosing the correct angle, along with selecting the appropriate needle length and injection site, is a critical nursing skill. Factors such as patient weight, age, and muscle mass must all be taken into consideration. For instance, a 5/8-inch needle at a 45-degree angle is often recommended for subcutaneous injections in infants, while a longer needle may be needed for an adult.
Conclusion
In the field of medications and pharmacology, the answer to what is a 45 degree injection called is a subcutaneous injection. This technique involves delivering medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin for slow and steady absorption. The choice of a 45-degree angle, as opposed to a 90-degree angle, depends on the patient's body mass and the amount of subcutaneous tissue present. Mastering this technique, along with an understanding of other injection types and their angles, ensures the medication is delivered safely and effectively. Adhering to these principles is a fundamental aspect of safe and compassionate healthcare.
