A Child Is Bitten by a Snake near a Swimming

question 9

Multiple Choice

A child is bitten by a snake near a swimming pool in an area where copperhead snakes are known to inhabit, although the parents cannot describe the snake. An examination of the bite reveals a severe local reaction at the site with edema and intense pain. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do first?

• A) Administer narcotic analgesics to provide comfort.
• B) Begin treatment with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for 5 days.
• C) Clean the wound and administer tetanus prophylaxis.
• D) Transport the child by ambulance to a medical center.

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Definitions:

Lateral Gray Horns

Regions located in the spinal cord that contain neuron cell bodies involved in the control of autonomic (involuntary) functions.

Autonomic Motor Neurons

Nerve cells that control involuntary actions of the muscles and glands, part of the autonomic nervous system.

Reflex Arcs

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, involving receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, and effectors.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum in the brain, responsible for higher brain functions like thought and action.