Intradermal injection is given at

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Intradermal (ID) injections are administered at a shallow 5 to 15-degree angle.
This angle ensures the medication is deposited into the dermis, the layer of skin just below the epidermis.
This route is used for diagnostic tests like TB and allergy screening, where slow absorption is required.
A successful ID injection creates a small, visible bleb or wheal on the skin's surface.

Option B: A 30-degree angle is not a standard angle for any of the three main injection routes (ID, SC, IM). It is too steep for an intradermal injection and too shallow for most intramuscular injections.
Option C: A 45-degree angle is used for subcutaneous (SC) injections, not intradermal.
Option D: A 90-degree angle is used for intramuscular (IM) injections to reach deep into the muscle tissue.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Parenteral Medication Administration: Injection Angles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Using the correct injection angle is critical for patient safety and medication efficacy. An incorrect angle can lead to the medication being delivered into the wrong tissue layer, causing pain, improper absorption, or adverse reactions.
For an intradermal injection, if the angle is too steep (greater than 15 degrees), the medication may enter the subcutaneous tissue, invalidating the results of a diagnostic test like a TB test.
A key nursing assessment after an ID injection is to check for the formation of a bleb. The absence of a bleb indicates the injection may have been given too deeply, and the test may need to be repeated.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: "Intradermal injection" and "angle".
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medication administration procedures.
Recall the specific angle associated with intradermal injections. Visualize the shallow angle needed to inject just under the skin.
Mentally compare this angle to those used for other injection types (subcutaneous and intramuscular) to confirm your choice and differentiate between the options.
Select the option that matches the correct angle for an intradermal injection (5-15 degrees).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 pp. 132-134, 133-135

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 173-175

Practise the full UPPSC 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.