Snakebite First Aid

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What should you do immediately after someone is bitten by a snake?

Apply ice to the affected area

Suck the poison out of the wound

Call an ambulance straight away (correct)

Remove the snake's teeth from the wound

Why are tight (arterial) tourniquets not recommended for snakebites?

They can cause pain and damage to the limb (correct)

They are not approved by medical professionals

They can cause the snake to bite again

They are not effective in removing venom

What is a common symptom of snake envenomation?

Fever and chills

Severe burning pain at the site (correct)

Itching at the site

Numbness in the affected limb

What is the main purpose of keeping the affected area below the heart level?

To slow down the spread of venom Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing when a snake bites?

Touching or pressing the affected area Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a venomous snake bites without injecting venom?

The person may not experience any symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of acute kidney injury caused by a snake bite?

Dark brown urine Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method of antivenin administration?

Infusion of antivenom IV over 60 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be available at bedside during antivenin administration?

Epinephrine and antihistamines Signup and view all the answers

Why should children receive the same dose of antivenom as adults?

Because snakes inject the same dose of venom into children and adults Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after completion of the initial dose of antivenom?

Re-evaluate the patient immediately to within an hour Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of local envenoming?

Local swelling involving more than half of the bitten limb within 48 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a 'dry bite'?

Irritation at the bite site Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the physical examination of a snake bite?

Examination of the bitten part and general examination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of elevating and immobilizing the affected limb?

To reduce the spread of venom Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering IV fluids in moderate to severe envenomation?

To prevent dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is Pit Viper Antivenin (Crotalidae) used to treat?

Bites from pit vipers such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using CroFab Antivenin over antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent?

It is more effective and has fewer side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reaction to Antivenin (Crotalidae) treatment?

Serum sickness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of serum sickness?

Rash Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indication for antivenin treatment?

Coagulopathy Signup and view all the answers

When is antivenin usually not used?

For dry bites or mild envenomation Signup and view all the answers

What is the cost range of CroFab Antivenin?

$4600 to $14,000 Signup and view all the answers

How long after a snakebite may antivenin still be effective?

Up to 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What may indicate a successful treatment of systemic envenoming?

No or slowed progression of local damage and no or diminishing systemic effects Signup and view all the answers

Why may signs of systemic envenoming recur in patients envenomed by vipers?

Continuing absorption of venom from the site of the bite and redistribution of venom from the tissues into the vascular space Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible complication of treating cobra bites with antivenom?

Recurrent neurotoxic envenoming Signup and view all the answers

When should the initial dose of antivenom be repeated?

If the blood remains incoagulable six hours after the initial dose Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of coagulation studies and platelet count in patients with systemic envenoming?

They are used to monitor the efficacy of antivenom treatment Signup and view all the answers