For an intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal muscle, which angle should the nurse use for the penicillin injection?

For an intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal muscle, the needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle. This angle allows for the medication to be delivered directly into the muscle tissue, which is important for achieving optimal absorption and therapeutic effects.

The ventrogluteal site is favored for intramuscular injections due to its depth and the large muscle mass available, making it a safe choice with minimal risk of nerve or blood vessel injury. Injecting at a 90-degree angle ensures that the entire length of the needle enters the muscle, allowing for effective distribution of the injected medication within the muscle tissue.

Using a lesser angle, such as 45, 60, or 75 degrees, could result in the needle not fully penetrating the muscle and potentially depositing the medication in subcutaneous tissue where absorption is slower and less effective. Therefore, the correct practice for administering an intramuscular injection in this site is to maintain a 90-degree angle.