At what angle should a psychiatric technician inject insulin?

The correct angle for injecting insulin is typically either 45 degrees or 90 degrees, depending on the patient's body type and the thickness of their subcutaneous tissue. If the technician is dealing with a patient who has a higher amount of subcutaneous fat, a 90-degree angle is often preferred to ensure that the insulin is delivered directly into the subcutaneous layer. Conversely, a 45-degree angle may be used if the patient has less subcutaneous fat, allowing for a more appropriate delivery into the tissue while minimizing the risk of intramuscular injection.

Understanding the correct angles for injection is crucial as it helps optimize insulin absorption and ensures the medication is effective. This knowledge is essential for a psychiatric technician, as managing diabetes and the administration of insulin can be an important part of patient care in a psychiatric setting.