Management of snakebite.
Patients who have been or may have been bitten by a snake should receive prompt and careful clinical and laboratory evaluation. Fang marks, pain and swelling are characteristic of pit viper envenomation. Although no therapy is universally accepted, a number of treatment plans appear to be effective. If envenomation has occurred, intravenous administration of antivenin and/or surgical excision or incision should be carried out without delay. Prompt transferral to a medical facility is the most appropriate first-aid measure. If transportation is unduly delayed, immediate linear incision and suction may be of value.
Johnson
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Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock.
D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005392:First Aid / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States
D000997:Antivenins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D004546:Elapid Venoms