Author Question: You have been called to a residence for a spider bite. On-scene the homeowner states that he was ... (Read 49 times)

lindiwe · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

You have been called to a residence for a spider bite. On-scene the homeowner states that he was moving some boxes in his garage when he accidentally grabbed a spider and it bit him. He killed the spider and shows you a brown-colored spider with a violin shape on its back. He then states that the bite does not hurt and he sees no need to go to the hospital. As a knowledgeable AEMT, you should state:

A) You really need to go because the bite of that spider does not heal very well and will put you at risk for infection.
B) Let us take you to the hospital. They have anti-venom that will allow this to heal and make you resistant to future bites.
C) You should be okay by refusing transport, but make sure to wash the bite site daily with soap and water.
D) Since the bite of that spider generally causes immediate pain and swelling, you probably can go without additional medical attention.

Question 2

A 44-year-old woman was hiking in a state park when she was bitten by a snake in her left calf. To get help, she had to hike four miles to the first-aid station where you are located. The hike took her one and a half hours. Your assessment reveals a red and swollen area to her leg, and she complains of discomfort to that area. Closer inspection reveals two puncture wounds in the center of the affected area. She asks you if she is going to die from the snake bite. Which one of the following is the BEST reply?

A) Based on the way the bite looks, I think that you were bitten by a nonpoisonous snake.
B) Walking all of that distance probably saved you since your body metabolized the poison faster.
C) You need to get checked out, but if venom was injected, the signs and symptoms of a generalized reaction typically appear very quickly.
D) We need to get you to the hospital immediately. Anytime that a snake bites it injects venom from its fangs.