The syringe is held at what angle to the skin for an intramuscular injection?

For an intramuscular injection, the syringe is held at a 90-degree angle to the skin. This angle allows for the needle to penetrate directly into the muscle tissue, ensuring that the medication is delivered effectively into the muscle rather than subcutaneously or in an improper layer. Holding the syringe at this angle minimizes the risk of hitting other structures, such as bones or nerves, and is crucial for proper technique in administering intramuscular injections. In contrast, other angles such as 15, 30, or 45 degrees are generally associated with different types of injections, like subcutaneous or intravenous, which do not require the needle to go as deep as in an intramuscular injection.