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 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.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that a suspected venomous snakebite in a child requires rapid transfer to a center where envenomation can be assessed and treated with antivenom if needed. A copperhead bite with marked local swelling and severe pain signals envenomation, and timely access to hospital care improves outcomes by allowing evaluation, monitoring for systemic effects, and administration of antivenom (if indicated). In the field, immobilizing the limb and keeping the child calm help slow venom spread, but they don’t replace definitive care. Wound cleansing and tetanus prophylaxis are appropriate but not the first action in this situation, and antibiotics aren’t indicated unless there’s an infection. Therefore, transporting the child to a medical center is the best initial step.

The key idea is that a suspected venomous snakebite in a child requires rapid transfer to a center where envenomation can be assessed and treated with antivenom if needed. A copperhead bite with marked local swelling and severe pain signals envenomation, and timely access to hospital care improves outcomes by allowing evaluation, monitoring for systemic effects, and administration of antivenom (if indicated). In the field, immobilizing the limb and keeping the child calm help slow venom spread, but they don’t replace definitive care. Wound cleansing and tetanus prophylaxis are appropriate but not the first action in this situation, and antibiotics aren’t indicated unless there’s an infection. Therefore, transporting the child to a medical center is the best initial step.