Bites and Stings Flashcards
What is the difference between allergic and anaphylactic reactions?
Allergic reactions are local responses affecting 1 or 2 systems and are generally not life-threatening. Anaphylactic reactions involve 2 or more systems and can be potentially deadly.
What are common reactions to bites and stings?
Some may start as a stimulant and follow with depression and weakness, tachycardia, dilated pupils, hot dry skin, decreased bowel sounds, altered vision, abnormal mental status.
What are the signs and symptoms of spider bites?
- Site swelling
- Site redness/pain
- Site numbness
- Extreme cases may include nausea and vomiting.
What are the signs and symptoms of a Black Widow spider bite?
- Spasms
- Muscle rigidity
- Intense pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Edema of the eyelids
- Increased sweating and salivation.
What are the characteristics of a Thin-Legged Wolf Spider?
Found in grassy regions across the province, does not make webs but runs down prey, larger size, bites can cause minor skin tears, redness, swelling, and necrosis.
What is the treatment for snake bites?
Keep limb immobilized, remove jewelry, apply cold pack (except for pit viper envenomations), maintain open airway, transport the patient.
What are the signs and symptoms of a snakebite?
- Noticeable bite with discoloration
- Pain and swelling
- Rapid pulse
- Labored breathing
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shock.
What are the signs and symptoms of rabies following an animal bite?
- Flu-like signs
- Discomfort at the bite site
- Symptoms of cerebral dysfunction
- Anxiety, confusion, agitation, delirium, hallucinations.
What is the incubation period for rabies after an animal bite?
2 to 16 weeks.
What is the definition of anaphylaxis?
A potentially deadly reaction involving 2 or more systems, typically including respiratory.
What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Hoarseness
- Stridor
- Bronchospasm
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Angioedema.
What is the treatment protocol for anaphylaxis?
- Position of comfort
- Administer O2 via NRB
- Epinephrine 1:1000 IM or SC
- Ventolin and Atrovent if needed
- Initiate large bore IV and fluid bolus.
- Rapid transport.
Fill in the blank: Histamine is stored in _______.
mast cells.
What are the common animal carriers of rabies?
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Bats
- Foxes
- Domesticated animals like cats, cattle, and dogs.
What are the treatment steps for bites and stings?
- Collect insect/reptile for ID
- Call Poison Control if needed
- Keep limb immobilized
- Remove stinger
- Apply cold pack
- Monitor airway.
What is the role of IgE in allergic reactions?
IgE becomes sensitized to substances and activates mast cells, leading to histamine release.
What are the signs of a hypersensitivity reaction?
Altered immunologic reaction to an antigen after re-exposure, often leading to increased reactions.
