When giving a subcutaneous injection to a thin patient, what technique should the nurse use?

In administering a subcutaneous injection to a thin patient, pinching the skin and inserting the needle at a 90° angle is the recommended technique. This approach is effective because it helps ensure that the medication is delivered beneath the skin layer and into the subcutaneous tissue where it can be absorbed properly. By pinching the skin, the nurse creates a sufficient amount of tissue to reduce the risk of intramuscular penetration, which may occur if only a small pocket of skin is available for injection.

Subcutaneous injections typically involve a needle penetration perpendicular to the skin when sufficient subcutaneous tissue is available. In thinner patients, this technique provides stability and reduces the chance of hitting a muscle. Additionally, injecting at a 90° angle allows for proper medication absorption, as the tissue underneath is vascularized, thus facilitating the medication's therapeutic effect.

This method is particularly important in clinical practice to minimize discomfort and complications for the patient, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.