Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
The client is to receive a Mantoux (PPD) test intradermally for tuberculosis. Which angle should the nurse use for this type of injection?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct angle for a Mantoux (PPD) test injection is 5-15 degrees. This shallow angle allows for accurate intradermal placement of the solution without penetrating too deeply. Inserting the needle at a low angle ensures that the solution is injected just below the skin's surface to produce an accurate reading of the skin reaction to the test antigen. Using a steeper angle (30-45 degrees, 15-30 degrees, or 45-90 degrees) would risk injecting the solution too deep, affecting the test results. Therefore, a 5-15 degree angle is the most appropriate for an intradermal injection like the Mantoux test.