Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

An MA is assisting a pt who is obese with an insulin injection. Which of the following is the correct angle for this pt.'s injection?

1. 45 degrees

2. 60 degrees

3. 75 degrees

4. 90 degrees

The correct answer is: 90 degrees

When administering an insulin injection to a patient who is obese, it is typically recommended to inject at a 90-degree angle. This angle ensures that the needle enters the subcutaneous tissue directly, which is important for effective absorption of the insulin. In patients with more subcutaneous fat, such as those who are obese, approaching the injection site at a right angle helps to reach the appropriate tissue layer without the risk of intramuscular injection. Choosing a different angle may not effectively deliver the insulin within the ideal subcutaneous layer, potentially impacting the medication's efficacy. Thus, administering the injection at a 90-degree angle is the best practice for ensuring proper absorption.