Which of the following intervention is considered right while providing first aid to a victim of snake bite?

GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Explanation

The correct intervention is removing jewelry from the affected limb.
Venomous snakebites cause rapid and severe localized swelling (edema).
Jewelry, watches, and tight clothing can quickly become constricting bands as swelling progresses.
Removing these items prevents the limb from developing compartment syndrome, a condition where swelling cuts off blood flow, leading to tissue death (necrosis) and potential amputation.

Option A: Applying a tourniquet is a harmful and outdated practice for snakebites. It traps venom in the limb, which intensifies local tissue damage and increases the risk of gangrene and amputation.
Option B: Attempting to suck out venom is ineffective as very little venom can be removed this way. It also introduces bacteria from the rescuer's mouth into the wound, increasing the risk of infection, and can cause the rescuer to absorb venom.
Option D: Cutting the bite wound does not remove venom effectively. It causes further tissue trauma, damages underlying nerves and tendons, increases the risk of severe bleeding, and introduces infection.

Visual 1: Infographic: DOs and DON'Ts of Snakebite First Aid. This visual should clearly list correct actions (immobilize, remove jewelry, seek help) and incorrect actions (tourniquet, cutting, sucking) with simple icons.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing First Aid Management of Snake Bites helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary role in snakebite management is rapid assessment, continuous monitoring for signs of systemic envenomation (e.g., hypotension, coagulopathy, neurotoxicity), and preparing for antivenom administration.
It is critical to frequently assess the affected limb for the '6 Ps' of compartment syndrome: Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis, and Poikilothermia (inability to regulate temperature).
What if? If a patient arrives at the hospital with a tourniquet already applied by a bystander, it should not be removed abruptly. Sudden removal can cause a systemic surge of venom. The tourniquet should only be removed in a controlled setting after an IV line is secured and antivenom is ready for administration.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question type. This is a 'best action' or 'correct intervention' question requiring knowledge of first aid protocols.
Analyze the core problem: a snakebite. Recall the key principles of snakebite management, focusing on what to do and what not to do.
Evaluate each option against established first aid guidelines. Many first aid questions test the knowledge of harmful, outdated practices.
Eliminate the options that are known 'DON'Ts' for snakebite care. Applying a tourniquet, sucking venom, and cutting the wound are all contraindicated and dangerous.
This process of elimination leaves only one plausible option.
Confirm the remaining option's rationale. Venom causes swelling, so removing constrictions like jewelry is a logical and crucial preventative measure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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