The nurse is preparing to teach about poisonous snake bites to community members at the local recreational department. What information should the nurse provide regarding prehospital care? Select all that apply.
Attempt to kill or capture the snake for identification purposes.
Apply ice to the wound and elevate the affected extremity to the level of the heart.
Immobilize the affected extremity with a splint and maintain the extremity at the level of the heart.
Move the person to a safe area away from the snake and encourage rest to decrease venous circulation.
Apply ice to the wound and place a tourniquet before elevating the affected extremity to the level of the heart.
Numbers 3 and 4 are correct.
Immobilizing and splinting the affected extremity may help limit the spread of the venom. The extremity should be maintained at the level of the heart. Safety is the first priority, so the person should be moved to a safe area and encouraged to rest quietly to decrease venous circulation of venom. Community members should not attempt to kill or capture the snake; if feasible, a digital photograph can be taken at a safe distance for identification. Applying ice is ineffective and may worsen the person’s outcome.
