Snake Bite First Aid - Review Flashcards (WHO Guidelines)

50 practice flashcards covering venomous vs non-venomous bites, WHO guidelines, immediate first aid steps, and hospital management.

What organization classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease?

World Health Organization (WHO).

Why are snake bites considered a major global health issue?

Because millions are bitten every year, especially in rural and tropical areas, risking disability or death without proper first aid and rapid treatment.

What are the two broad categories of snake bites described?

Venomous and Non-venomous.

Name one venom type mentioned in the notes.

Neurotoxins.

Name another venom type mentioned in the notes.

Hemotoxins.

Name a third venom type mentioned in the notes.

Cytotoxins.

Name a venomous snake example listed.

Cobra.

Name another venomous snake example listed.

Krait.

Name another venomous snake example listed.

Viper.

Name another venomous snake example listed.

Mamba.

Name a non-venomous snake example listed.

Python.

Name another non-venomous snake example listed.

Rat snake.

Name a third non-venomous snake example listed.

King snake.

What is Step 1 of Immediate First Aid?

Ensure Safety.

What is Step 2 of Immediate First Aid?

Keep Patient Calm.

What is Step 3 of Immediate First Aid?

Remove Constricting Items.

What is Step 4 of Immediate First Aid?

Immobilize the Limb.

What is Step 5 of Immediate First Aid?

Avoid Harmful Methods.

What is the only proven treatment to neutralize venom?

Anti-venom.

When should anti-venom be given?

When there are clear signs of envenoming (bleeding, paralysis, shock, swelling).

What is a sign of envenoming related to bleeding?

Bleeding.

What is a sign of envenoming related to nerves?

Paralysis.

What is a sign of envenoming related to circulation?

Shock.

What is a sign of envenoming related to tissue?

Swelling.

What does supportive care include?

Oxygen.

What does supportive care include?

IV fluids.

What does supportive care include?

Pain management.

What does supportive care include?

Wound care.

What effect does staying calm and still have on venom spread?

Slows venom spread.

What is the purpose of immobilizing the limb?

Prevents systemic absorption of venom.

Why should harmful practices be avoided?

They reduce secondary injury.

Why seek hospital care immediately after a bite?

To access anti-venom and professional care.

What is a key public health goal for snakebites?

Educate communities on prevention.

In which settings are snakebites most common?

Rural and tropical areas.

What does the term 'envenoming' mean?

Venom injected by a snake.

What is the main goal of hospital management after a bite?

Administer anti-venom and provide supportive care.

What two components are central in hospital management according to the notes?

Anti-venom and supportive care.

What are signs that indicate anti-venom administration may be needed?

Bleeding, swelling, paralysis, shock.

How does anti-venom work?

It neutralizes venom components.

What is the difference between venomous and non-venomous bites in terms of venom injection?

Venomous bites inject venom; non-venomous do not.

What common first aid item should be removed from a bitten limb?

Constricting items like rings or bracelets.

Which first aid methods are advised to avoid?

Cutting, sucking venom, tourniquets, and applying ice.

What is the relationship between rapid treatment and outcomes?

Faster treatment improves outcomes and reduces disability or death.

Why is hospital care required for snakebites?

To access anti-venom and necessary monitoring.

What broad health category does WHO place snakebite envenoming under?

Neglected tropical diseases.

Where should communities be educated about preventing snakebites?

In their local communities and environments where bites occur.

What is the final slide's closing word?

THANK YOU!!!

What is the recommended posture for a bitten person to minimize venom spread?

Remain still and calm; avoid unnecessary movement.

What type of care does oxygen administration belong to?

Supportive care.

What is the overall guidance source for these notes?

World Health Organization guidelines for snakebite first aid and management.

What is the scale of the snakebite problem mentioned in the notes?

Millions are bitten each year globally.

What is a non-venomous snake's potential impact after a bite?

Causes wounds, swelling, and infection, but not venom.

What is a key action to prevent secondary injury after a bite?

Avoid harmful first aid practices.

What is one outcome of proper first aid and rapid treatment?

Reduced risk of disability or death.

What is one example of a venomous snake mentioned that utilizes cytotoxins in its venom?

Mamba.

What is the recommended action if constriction occurs due to swelling after a bite?

Remove constricting items to prevent cutting off circulation.

What is the role of wound care in hospital management?

Part of supportive care to prevent infection and promote healing.

What is one reason to educate communities about prevention?

To reduce incidence and improve outcomes after bites.

Which patient condition is not a direct sign of envenoming but important for treatment decisions?

All signs listed (bleeding, paralysis, shock, swelling) indicate envenoming; other symptoms guide care.

What is the expected outcome of administering anti-venom?

Neutralizes venom and halts progression of venom effects.

Which environment is most at risk for bites, according to the notes?

Rural and tropical regions.

What is a common symptom that would prompt anti-venom use?

Swelling at the bite site or surrounding limb.

What is the recommended action before transport of a patient to hospital?

Keep them calm and immobilize the affected limb.

What does the term 'envenoming signs' encompass in the notes?

Bleeding, paralysis, shock, and swelling.

What is the purpose of first aid steps 1-4 together?

Stabilize the patient and limit venom spread.

What should be avoided when a bite occurs far from medical facilities?

Harmful first aid practices and delays to care.

Which organization’s guidelines are the basis for these notes?

World Health Organization (WHO).

How does immobilizing the limb help in envenomation?

Prevents venom from spreading quickly through the body.

What is the recommended response to rings or bracelets on the bitten limb?

Remove them promptly.

What is the primary aim of first aid after a bite?

Stability of the patient and prevention of venom spread.

What is the relationship between venom spread and movement?

Movement can hasten venom spread; staying still helps slow it.

What is a key clinical sign of envenoming related to the nervous system?

Paralysis.

What is a key clinical sign of envenoming related to blood?

Bleeding.

What is the role of anti-venom in treatment?

Neutralizes venom and stops its harmful effects.

What should be done to ensure timely anti-venom administration?

Seek hospital care immediately after a bite.