Question

The nurse is preparing to administer insulin to an older client who is frail and has failure to thrive. At what angle will the nurse plan to insert the needle into the client?

a) 90 degrees
b) 20-30 degrees
c) 45 degrees
d) 10-15 degrees

Answer 1

A nurse should plan to administer an insulin injection to a frail and older client at a 45-degree angle to ensure the insulin is deposited into the subcutaneous tissue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is preparing to administer insulin to an older client who is frail and has failure to thrive. The appropriate angle at which the nurse should plan to insert the needle into the client depends on the injection technique and the client's body habitus. Typically for subcutaneous injections, 45 degrees is appropriate for individuals who are thin or have less subcutaneous fat. However, in some cases, especially if the person is very lean, a 90 degree angle may be used. For a client who is classified as having a 'failure to thrive,' suggesting they may be underweight or frail, a nurse might opt to inject at a 45-degree angle provided the needle is of an appropriate length to ensure the insulin is deposited into the subcutaneous tissue and not into the muscle.