Snakebites

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Questions and Answers

What is the most commonly used method for detecting/proving snake envenomation?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

X-ray

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (correct)

Computed tomography (CT) scan

What are the most common families of venomous snakes?

Ringhals and Australasian elapids

Bothrops spp. and Cr. durissus terrificus

Cobras and sea snakes

Vipers and elapids (correct)

What is the first aid treatment for snakebites?

Immobilizing the bitten limb and quickly moving the patient to the nearest treatment facility (correct)

Applying a tourniquet

Cutting the bite area to allow the venom to escape

Applying ice to the bite area

What are the symptoms of snakebite?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why should tourniquets never be used for snakebites?

They can cause harm Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of snake venom?

It varies within a single species throughout its geographic range, at different seasons of the year, and ontogenically as the snake matures. Signup and view all the answers

What are two safe methods that can delay the onset of potentially fatal respiratory paralysis or shock?

Pressure-pad immobilization and pressure-bandage immobilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the only specific antidote for envenoming?

Antivenom Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical effects of envenoming by elapids?

Neurotoxic symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient experiences adverse reactions to antivenom?

Stop administering antivenom and provide supportive treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the major cause of death in victims of sea snakes, some Australasian elapids, Russell's vipers, some Bothrops spp., and Cr. durissus terrificus?

Generalized rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury Signup and view all the answers

When are prophylactic antibiotics indicated for snakebites?

Only if the wound has been incised or tampered with in any way Signup and view all the answers

What is the earliest symptom of snakebite?

Pain Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical effects of viper envenoming?

Bleeding and clotting disturbances Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of early and adequate antivenom treatment?

It prevents the development of intracompartmental syndromes and acute kidney injury Signup and view all the answers

Why are attempts to exterminate venomous snakes ecologically undesirable?

Because venomous snakes are important to the ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of infections may result from snakebites?

Bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical effects of misguided traditional pre-hospital treatments for snakebite?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the first aid measures for snake venom ophthalmia?

Irrigation with generous volumes of water or any other bland liquid such as milk or even urine, and topical antimicrobial application Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

This article provides an overview of the different families of venomous snakes and their characteristics, as well as the incidence and importance of snakebite globally. It also delves into the prevention of snakebite and the composition and pharmacology of snake venom. The article highlights the complexity and diversity of snake venoms and the variation in venom composition within a single species throughout its geographic range, at different seasons of the year, and ontogenically as the snake matures. It also notes that prevention is key in reducing the risk of snakebite, and that attempts to exterminate venomous snakes are futile and ecologically undesirable.Snakebite can cause a range of symptoms and clinical effects, depending on the type of snake and the dose and site of injection. Misguided traditional pre-hospital treatments can also result in swelling and ischemia of limbs, vomiting, and other side effects. The earliest symptom is usually pain, while local swelling may start within minutes. Envenoming by elapids can produce neurotoxic symptoms such as vomiting, headache, and difficulty speaking, while vipers can cause bleeding and clotting disturbances. Shock is most commonly the result of hypovolemia, vasodilatation, or direct action of venom on the myocardium. Snakebite can also cause generalized rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury, which can be the major cause of death in victims of sea snakes, some Australasian elapids, Russell's vipers, some Bothrops spp., and Cr. durissus terrificus. The ringhals and African and Asian spitting cobras can eject venom in a fine stream from the tips of their fangs for a distance of a few meters, causing venom ophthalmia with intense local pain, leukorrhea, blepharospasm, and palpebral edema.

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Description

Test your knowledge of venomous snakes and snakebites with this quiz! From the different families of venomous snakes to the symptoms and clinical effects of snakebites, this quiz covers it all. Get ready to learn about snake venom composition, prevention of snakebites, and the importance of not attempting to exterminate venomous snakes. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested in snakes or working in areas where snakebites are a concern.