32 Questions
What is the Portuguese man o’ war technically classified as?
Siphonophore
Which term is used to describe the balloon-type top of the Portuguese man o’ war?
Pneumatophore
How long can the tentacles of a Portuguese man o’ war grow to?
30 feet
What is the composition of a Portuguese man o’ war made up of?
Thousands of clones working together
What can happen if a person is stung by a Portuguese man o’ war?
Systemic symptoms such as muscle spasms
How does the venom from the nematocysts affect humans?
May cause both skin and systemic symptoms
What is a serious reaction that can result from a box jellyfish sting?
Cardiac arrest
Which species of box jellyfish is responsible for causing Irukandji syndrome?
Carukia barnesi
What is the most appropriate initial treatment for a suspected case of anaphylaxis due to a jellyfish sting?
Epinephrine intramuscularly
What is a recommended method for nematocyst removal after a jellyfish sting?
Shaving cream and a credit card
What is a key symptom of Irukandji syndrome that can help differentiate it from other jellyfish stings?
Hypertension
What is the most effective initial treatment for Physalia stings according to the text?
Hot water immersion/shower
What are two important species of box jellyfish mentioned in the text?
Chironex fleckeri and Carukia barnesi
What symptoms mimic sympathomimetic toxicity in severe cases of certain jellyfish stings?
Nausea/vomiting, diaphoresis, tachycardia
Which treatment is recommended for nematocyst removal after a jellyfish sting?
Shaving cream and a credit card
In the case of a jellyfish sting in the eye, what is the recommended rinsing solution if at the scene?
Seawater
What is the first-line treatment for suspected Irukandji syndrome based on symptoms and hypertension?
Benzodiazepines
What is the most effective initial treatment for Physalia stings according to the text?
Cold packs
Which substance is NOT recommended for jellyfish sting treatment despite historical use?
Vinegar
What are common symptoms seen in severe cases of jellyfish stings?
Pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock
What is a recommended first aid measure for treating a jellyfish sting on scene?
Rinse the site with seawater.
Which method is suggested for nematocyst removal after a jellyfish sting?
Shaving cream and a credit card.
What sets the Portuguese man o’ war apart from jellyfish?
It has a balloon-type top
In what type of waters is the Portuguese man o’ war more common?
Tropical waters
How are the tentacles of the Portuguese man o’ war dangerous?
They contain venomous nematocysts
What happens when multiple Portuguese man o’ war come together?
They form colonies known as legions
What is a common local effect of a Portuguese man o’ war sting?
Skin lesions or welts
What distinguishes a siphonophore like the Portuguese man o’ war from a jellyfish?
Its composite nature made of thousands of clones
What is the purpose of the tentacles on the Portuguese man o’ war?
To capture prey and defend against predators
What type of symptoms do systemic effects of a Portuguese man o’ war sting develop into?
Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle spasms
Why should beachcombers be cautious around dead or washed-up Portuguese man o’ war?
They can still sting even when dead
What type of reaction to venom is rare but potentially fatal after a severe envenomation by a Portuguese man o’ war?
Anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest
Learn about the unique features and characteristics of the Portuguese Man o’ War, a siphonophore often mistaken for a jellyfish. Explore its balloon-like structure, colorful appearance, and impressive tentacles that can grow up to 30 feet long. Discover how thousands of clones collaborate to function as a single organism.
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