Envenomation Flashcards
What are some Neurological findings of a snake bite?
Eyelid Dropping
Diplopia
Slurred Speech
Drooling
Generalised muscle weakness
What are some specify areas of pain in a snake bite
- Generalised muscle pains
- Pain in lymph nodes
- Head ache
- Abdominal pain
What are some general signs of a Snake Bite
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Sweating
- Repsiratory distress
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding (Nose, gums)
- Passing dark urine
In a Blue ringed octopus envenomation what should be prolonged ?
- Respiratory resuscitation
What needs to be considered in a suspected tick bite
Anaphylaxis
Do you remove a tick?
No
If symptomatic and confirmed snake bite what should be considered if Tx >30minutes
- Contact ARV/PIPER for advice
Caring for patients in the hours following envenomation should include…
- Urine output (Renal impairment)
- Signs of coagulopathy
What is the management for all Australian Snake bites 4 things (Torso and Limb)
- Limb (PBI, Splint, Immobilise)
- Torso (Immobilise patient to stretcher)
- Obtain IV access x2
- Supplemental O2
What is the management for red back spiders? (2)
- NO PBI
- Apply ice pack
What is the management for big black spiders? (4)
- Do not walk the patient
- Limb (PBI)
- Torso (Immobilise)
- Manage pulmonary oedema with CPAP
What is the management for Non-tropical jellyfish (4)
- Wash affected area with sea water
- Pick off remaining tentacles
- Apply Warm/hot water to site
- Ice pack if warm water unavailable
What is the management for Barbed Fish/Rays (3)
- Do not attempt to remove the barb
-Manage haemorrhage as required
-Immerse in warm/hot water
What is the management for blue ringed octopus (4)
- Limb (PBI, Immobilise)
- Torso (Immobilise)
- Prepare for deterioration
- Consider prolonged resuscitation efforts
What are the care objectives for Envenomation
- Hisotry alone is enough to suspect envenomation
- Application of PBI to limit patient movement
- Transport patient urgently to appropriate destination - Consider consultation
