The ideal angle of insertion of a needle for administering an intradermal injection is:

Appeared in: GMCH - 2016

Explanation

The correct angle for an intradermal injection is between 5 and 15 degrees, making 10 degrees the ideal choice among the options.
This shallow angle ensures the medication is delivered into the dermis, the layer of skin just below the epidermis.
Proper technique results in the formation of a small, raised area called a 'bleb' or 'wheal' at the injection site, confirming correct placement.
This route is used for tests like tuberculin (Mantoux) and allergy sensitivity tests, where slow absorption from the dermis is required.

Option B: This angle is too steep for an intradermal injection and would likely result in the medication entering the subcutaneous tissue, invalidating the test.
Option C: This is a standard angle for subcutaneous injections, not intradermal. Using this angle would place the medication too deep, into the fatty tissue.
Option D: This angle is incorrect for intradermal injections and is not a standard angle for other parenteral routes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Parenteral Medication Administration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly administering an intradermal injection is a fundamental nursing skill critical for accurate diagnostic testing. An incorrect angle can lead to a false-negative result in a TB test, for example.
Nurses must assess the patient's skin and select an appropriate site, typically the inner forearm, which is lightly pigmented, thinly keratinized, and hairless, allowing for easy observation of any reaction.
What if? If a bleb does not form during an intradermal injection, it indicates the needle was inserted too deeply into the subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should document the event, notify the provider, and anticipate repeating the test, often on the other arm or at a different site after a specified time.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'intradermal injection' and 'angle of insertion'.
This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of parenteral medication administration procedures.
Recall the specific angles for different injection types: Intradermal (ID), Subcutaneous (SC), and Intramuscular (IM).
Remember that ID injections are the most superficial, requiring the shallowest angle (5-15 degrees).
Evaluate the given options against this knowledge. 10 degrees is the only option that falls within the correct range for an ID injection.

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 GMCH - 2016

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