Practice questions › Davidson's Principles of Medicine › Davidson's Medicine - Part 2: Emergency and Critical Care
11 Envenomation MCQs
Davidson's Medicine - Part 2: Emergency and Critical Care · Davidson's Principles of Medicine · 12 practice questions
- Clinical effects
- Venom components
- Envenomation assessment
- Snake syndromes
- Antivenom
- Hospital management
- Complications
- Hymenoptera
1. A patient bitten by a Sri Lankan Russell's viper has rhabdomyolysis and paralysis unlike most Indian populations. What principle does this illustrate?
- AAll populations are identical
- BGeographical variation in venom means antivenom from another population may be poorly effective
- CAntivenom is universal
- DParalysis is always krait
Show answer
B. Geographical variation in venom means antivenom from another population may be poorly effective The text states antivenom raised against one population may be poorly effective against bites from other regions, particularly Russell's viper.
2. A patient bitten by a snake has a normal first examination and normal bloods at 2 hours. In a rural clinic another has 2-3 mL venous blood left in a clean glass tube that remains liquid at 20 minutes. Which are the correct interpretations?
- ARepeat assessments over 24 hours as onset may be delayed; the liquid blood shows coagulopathy
- BDischarge as a dry bite; liquid blood is normal
- CPerform fasciotomy; clotting is irrelevant
- DGive antivenom immediately; a clot means coagulopathy
Show answer
A. Repeat assessments over 24 hours as onset may be delayed; the liquid blood shows coagulopathy Onset ranges from minutes to 24 hours so assessment is repeated; failure of clot formation is a positive 20-minute whole-blood clotting test.
3. A stingray sting causes severe pain, and a Brazilian caterpillar contact causes progressive consumptive coagulopathy. Which treatments fit?
- ATourniquet, and antihistamine
- BIce packs, and adrenaline
- CHot water immersion at about 45 C, and Brazilian specific antivenom
- DVinegar, and steroids
Show answer
C. Hot water immersion at about 45 C, and Brazilian specific antivenom Marine venoms respond to heat; Lonomia venom causes consumptive coagulopathy treated with a specific antivenom and supportive care.
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