W33 - Natural Medical Hazards

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Questions and Answers

What is the best method for safely removing a tick from the skin?

Use your fingers to pull it off quickly.

Apply petroleum jelly and wait for it to detach on its own.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. (correct)

Apply heat to the tick to encourage it to release.

Why is it not recommended to forcibly pull a leech off the skin?

It can cause the leech to detach too quickly, leading to a painful reaction.

Pulling can leave parts of the leech embedded in the skin, increasing the risk of infection and excessive bleeding. (correct)

Pulling a leech off is harmless and does not affect the body.

It is always safe to pull leeches off, as they detach on their own within minutes.

Why do leeches often go unnoticed when they bite?

They are very large and easily visible on the skin.

They emit a strong odor that repels humans.

They inject anticoagulants and anesthetics into the bite wound, which prevents pain and allows them to feed without being felt. (correct)

They only feed during the day when humans are more active.

What is the primary reason to keep the patient calm after a snake bite?

To decrease heart rate and slow venom spread Signup and view all the answers

It is recommended to wash the bite site before applying any bandages.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the affected limb after a snake bite?

It should be immobilized and kept at or below heart level. Signup and view all the answers

Do not attempt to ______ or kill the snake to avoid further injuries.

catch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is appropriate after a snake bite?

Apply a snug pressure bandage if trained Signup and view all the answers

Match the actions to their respective purposes in snake bite management:

Keeping the patient calm = Slows venom absorption Applying a pressure bandage = Reduces blood flow Immobilizing the affected limb = Prevents movement Calling emergency services = Ensures professional medical help Signup and view all the answers

It’s advised to use a tourniquet in snake bite first aid.

False Signup and view all the answers

What information should be provided when arranging emergency evacuation for a snake bite?

Clear information about the situation and the victim's condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a serious complication of a snake bite that affects blood clotting?

Venom Induced Consumption Coagulopathy (VICC) Signup and view all the answers

Neurological symptoms due to snake bites can include descending paralysis, which may start with ptosis.

True Signup and view all the answers

What condition can result from myotoxicity due to a snake bite?

Rhabdomyolysis Signup and view all the answers

One of the local symptoms at the bite site may include ______, which is associated with significant pain and swelling.

bruising Signup and view all the answers

Match the complications of snake bites with their descriptions:

VICC = Leads to abnormal blood clotting and bleeding risks Descending paralysis = Characterized by drooping eyelids and muscle weakness Rhabdomyolysis = Muscle breakdown affecting kidney function Shock = Marked by hypotension and can be life-threatening Signup and view all the answers

What are the indications for the use of antivenom for snakebite?

Indications: • Spontaneous systemic bleeding • Hypovolaemic shock or arrhythmia • Paralysis • Black/brown/Coca-cola urine • Local swelling involving more than half the affected limb Signup and view all the answers

In regards to bears in the wild what is meant by, "If it's black attack, if it's brown lay down"?

Jonny1992 • 8y ago • If you encounter a brown bear you should lay down and play dead. You will not win in a fight with a brown bear. If you attempt to run or defend yourself it will kill you. Best option is to play dead and hope it's not in a 'playful' mood before it tears you to bits. If you encounter a black bear you should scream, kick, make yourself big. Black bears are fairly timid and do not usually want the bother of a fight. If you encounter a polar bear it's goodnight because you're already dead. You might as well not even bother. It will kill you for sport and enjoy it. Signup and view all the answers

What is bear spray?

BEAR SPRAY IS A DETERRENT made of red pepper oil (oleoresin of capsaicin). It inflames the eyes and upper respiratory system. If used properly, it can effectively deter an aggressive bear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for plant causes skin irritation such as: Contact dermatitis Allergic dermatitis Phytophotodermatitis Urticaria ?

Treatment • Remove irritant • Sun protection • Cool compresses • Often self limiting • Infrequently: topical or oral steroids are needed for severe Signup and view all the answers

Clinical presentations that can result from exposure to certain fungi include:

Toxicity/poisoning secondary to consumption • GI symptoms • Cholinergic effects • Confusion • Hallucinations • Multiorgan failure

What treatments are available for fungi exposure?

Treatment varies according to symptoms: • Cholinergic symptoms – atropine or physostigmine • Confusion, agitation or hallucinations – benzodiazepines • Psychotic behavior – haloperidol, chlorpromazine Signup and view all the answers

What does monovalent and polyvalent mean in regards to snake antivenoms?

Monovalent: Specific to one species. Polyvalent: Effective against multiple species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leech Removal

Pulling a leech off the skin is not recommended because it can leave parts of the leech embedded in the skin.
This increases the risk of infection and excessive bleeding.
It is important to allow the leech to detach naturally.

Tick Removal

Incorrect Methods: Pulling a tick off with fingers, applying petroleum jelly, or using heat are not recommended methods for tick removal.
Recommended Method: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure.

Snake Bite Management – First Aid

Reassure the patient: This helps reduce anxiety and may slow the spread of venom.
Do not interfere with the snake bite: Avoid cutting, sucking, or applying tourniquets to the bite site.
Immobilize victim and affected limb: Use a splint or sling to reduce movement and potentially slow venom spread.
Pressure Immobilisation Bandage: This is a critical step. Apply a firm bandage over the bite site and up the limb, even if the bite is on the hand or foot:
- The bandage should be firm enough to restrict lymph flow but not so tight as to restrict blood flow.
- Start the bandage at the bite site and go distally (away from the heart).
- Leave fingers and toes exposed to check for circulation.
- Once the bandage is in place, keep the limb still.
Arrange emergency evacuation to medical facility: Transport the victim to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. The time it takes to get medical attention is critical.
Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake: Identifying the snake is helpful, but it is best to focus on the victim. Also, attempting to catch the snake could put you at risk of a bite.

Reassurance and Immobilisation

Staying calm and reassuring the victim is important as anxiety can accelerate venom absorption.
Keep the patient still and calm.
Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at or below heart level to reduce blood flow.
Use a splint if available, or have the patient lie down and rest the affected limb.

Avoiding Harmful Interventions

Do not wash the bite site or attempt to suck out venom.
Do not apply ice or a tourniquet, as this can worsen tissue damage.

Pressure Immobilization Bandage

Apply a pressure bandage to the bite site if trained to do so, starting above the bite and working down.
The bandage should be snug, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.

Calling for Emergency Services

Call emergency services or arrange transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Provide details about the situation and the victim's condition.

Snake Identification and Safety

Do not try to catch or kill the snake to avoid further injuries
Observe the snake's color, size, and markings to aid medical identification.

Snake Bite Management - First Aid

Reassure the patient and keep them calm, as anxiety can accelerate venom absorption.
Keep the patient still to minimize movement and potential venom spread.
Avoid washing the bite site or attempting to suck out venom.
Do not apply ice or a tourniquet to the wound as these can worsen tissue damage.
Immobilize the affected limb at or below heart level to reduce blood flow.
Use a splint or have the patient lie down with the affected limb resting on a stable surface.
Apply a pressure bandage to the bite site if trained to do so, starting above the bite and working down.
Ensure the bandage is snug but doesn't cut off circulation.
Call emergency services or arrange transportation to a medical facility.
Provide clear information about the incident and the victim's condition.
Prioritize patient care over catching or killing the snake. Attempting to do so can lead to further injuries.
If possible, note the snake's color, size, and markings to aid medical personnel in identifying the snake species.

Snake Bite Management – First Aid

Reassure the patient and keep them calm as anxiety can speed up venom absorption.
Do not wash the bite site, suck out venom, apply ice or a tourniquet. These actions can worsen tissue damage.
Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at or below heart level to reduce blood flow.
A pressure bandage should be applied if trained, starting above the bite site and working down.
Call emergency services or arrange transportation to the nearest medical facility immediately.
Avoid trying to catch or kill the snake, focus on the patient. Remember the snake's characteristics (color, size, markings) to help medical personnel identify the type.

Snake Bite Symptoms

Local symptoms at the bite site can include pain, swelling, bruising, and blistering.
Lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, can indicate that the lymphatic system is affected.

Complications of Snake Bites

Venom Induced Consumption Coagulopathy (VICC) can lead to abnormal blood clotting and an increased risk of bleeding.
Shock, characterized by hypotension (low blood pressure), can be life-threatening.
Neurological symptoms can include descending paralysis, starting with ptosis (drooping eyelids) and external ophthalmoplegia (weakness of eye muscles).
Descending paralysis can progress to bulbar paralysis (paralysis of the muscles that control swallowing and speech) and respiratory muscle paralysis, both of which require immediate medical intervention.
Myotoxicity, or muscle damage, can lead to rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown occurs, which can impact kidney function and lead to acute kidney injury.