Jellyfish and Anemone Sting Management

Questions and Answers

What is a major systemic effect caused by hemolysins?

Increased heart rate

Skin sensitivity

Respiratory distress (correct)

Reduced appetite

What initial management step should be taken for a sting from a sea anemone?

Wash with fresh water

Wash with sea water (correct)

Apply ice directly to the sting site

Use a topical antibiotic immediately

What condition is characterized by the destruction of blood platelets and kidney failure due to damage to blood vessels?

Thrombocytopenia

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) (correct)

Hemophilia

Anemia

Which of the following are symptoms of acute poisoning from cone snails?

Nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

How do cone snails inject venom into their prey?

With a radula Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended supportive therapy for sea anemone stings?

Surgical intervention Signup and view all the answers

Which region is known for the greatest diversity of cone snails?

Western Indo-Pacific Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the platelet count in severe cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome?

It decreases rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What classification do stingrays belong to?

Order Myliobatiformes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the venom found in stingrays?

To cause tissue damage and pain Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily associated with stingray venom?

Phospholipase A2 Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly experienced by stingray sting victims?

Intense pain Signup and view all the answers

What is advised for managing stingray wounds inflicted on a person?

Surgical attention for vascular disruption Signup and view all the answers

What treatment has been shown to relieve local pain from stingray stings?

Hot water immersion Signup and view all the answers

Stonefish are primarily known for what characteristic?

Excellent camouflage Signup and view all the answers

How many sharp dorsal fin spines do stonefish possess?

13 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with histamine fish poisoning?

Skin swelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended management for symptomatic patients suffering from histamine fish poisoning?

Antihistamines like chlorphenamine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures is critical for preventing histamine fish poisoning?

Keeping fish on ice at less than 38 Fahrenheit Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical manifestation is typical of histamine fish poisoning?

Urticaria without wealing Signup and view all the answers

What is an indicator that fish should not be consumed due to spoilage risk?

A bad odor or a honey-combed appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended water temperature range for hot water immersion to alleviate pain from jellyfish stings?

42–45 °C Signup and view all the answers

Which analgesic is commonly used for residual pain after a jellyfish sting?

Paracetamol Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered if a tentacle is placed inside the mouth?

Inserting an endotracheal tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of box jellyfish antivenom?

To prevent neurotoxicity and myotoxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT necessary for monitoring after a jellyfish sting?

Use prophylactic antibiotics for all wounds Signup and view all the answers

What type of toxins are produced by anemones that can affect nerve cells?

Neurotoxins Signup and view all the answers

How long should an affected eye be irrigated after contact with tentacles?

10-15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is necessary for performing hot water immersion for jellyfish stings?

Water bucket and temperature thermometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the major protein toxin found in stonefish venom?

Stonustoxin Signup and view all the answers

Which type of toxin specifically affects the heart in stonefish venom?

Cardiotoxins Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is associated with veratridine-like toxins found in stonefish venom?

Disrupts normal nerve signaling Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely consequence of exposure to cytotoxins in stonefish venom?

Tissue necrosis Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms are commonly associated with a sting from a stonefish?

Severe pain and swelling Signup and view all the answers

What role do inflammatory mediators play in the context of stonefish venom?

Promote inflammation and pain Signup and view all the answers

What severe condition can result from neurotoxins present in stonefish venom?

Respiratory paralysis Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with a stonefish sting?

Prolonged fainting Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jellyfish and Anemone Management

Gently remove jellyfish tentacles with a gloved or towel-covered hand.
For pain relief, submerge affected limb or wound in hot water (42–45 °C) for 30–90 minutes until pain resolves.
Needed materials for hot water immersion include a water bucket, thermometer, and portable heater.
Administer analgesics like paracetamol for residual pain; escalate to parenteral analgesics or local anesthetics for severe pain.
Provide anti-tetanus prophylaxis as necessary.
Monitor wounds for signs of infection; prophylactic antibiotics advised only for grossly contaminated wounds.
If a tentacle enters the mouth, it can cause rapid swelling leading to airway obstruction; consider endotracheal intubation.
Irrigate affected eye with 1000 mL 0.9% saline or equivalent crystalloid for a minimum of 10-15 minutes.

Anemone Stings

Anemones are immobile marine creatures found in reefs and tide pools, using specialized nematocysts for stinging.
Toxins include neurotoxins, cytolysins, hemolysins, and protease inhibitors, causing pain, paralysis, cell death, and potential systemic effects like respiratory distress.
Case Report: A man experienced intense pain and swelling after a sea anemone sting in Cebu. Symptoms progressed to renal dysfunction and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Management of Anemone Stings

Immediately wash the sting area with seawater.
Remove nematocysts by scraping with a sharp object.
Submerge affected area in hot water for 30-90 minutes for pain relief.
Supportive therapy includes pain control, wound care, and antihistamines.

Cone Snails

Over 900 species exist, mainly in tropical waters, with highest diversity in the Western Indo-Pacific region.
Use a harpoon-like structure (radula) to inject venom.

Stingray Characteristics and Symptoms

Stingrays are cartilaginous fish with serrated venomous spines at the tail base.
Venom contains proteins and enzymes causing intense pain, tissue damage, and inflammation, with symptoms worsening between 30 to 90 minutes post-injury.

Management of Stingray Injuries

Examine wounds for embedded foreign materials; radiographs may be useful.
Severe wounds may necessitate surgical intervention.
Address tetanus immune status and consider prophylactic antibiotics to reduce infection rates.
Hot water immersion can relieve pain significantly.

Stonefish Venom Effects

Stonefish have 13 venomous dorsal spines using a protein toxin (stonustoxin) responsible for severe pain and potential cardiovascular issues.
Venom disrupts nerve signaling, can cause muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and significant local tissue damage.

Symptoms and Management of Stonefish Stings

Symptoms include immediate, severe pain, rapid wound cyanosis, and edema.
Management involves enzyme therapy, symptom relief, and potential surgical intervention for severe injuries.

Histamine Fish Poisoning

Occurs from eating improperly stored dark meat marine fish; symptoms include flushing, dizziness, headache, and palpitations.
Rash appears as bright red, hot, and itchy without welting.
Treat with antihistamines and consider H2 blockers for severe cases.
Prevention focuses on proper refrigeration and avoiding spoiled fish.

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Description

This quiz covers effective management strategies for jellyfish and anemone stings, including pain relief methods and necessary materials. Learn how to treat injuries effectively and recognize signs of serious complications. Test your understanding of first aid protocols related to marine life stings.