This course is designed to provide emergency and intensive care nursing and physician staff with an accurate, concise, and practical clinical guide to the evaluation and management of snakebite victims who present with North American pit viper envenomation. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Identify snakes that may be venomous and the characteristics of snakebite.
2. Outline the local and systemic effects of pit viper envenomation.
3. Describe the characteristics of available antivenoms.
4. Evaluate general approaches to the assessment of patients with snakebite.
5. Discuss the role of blood products and urinary catheterization in patients being treated for snakebite.
6. Discuss the prehospital management of the patient who has suspected or known snakebite.
7. Devise a strategy for the management of asymptomatic patients with suspected or known snakebite.
8. Describe the approach to management of symptomatic patients with suspected or known snakebite.
9. Outline the reconstitution, dosages, and application of antivenom, including management of potential untoward effects.
10. Analyze the appropriate follow-up of patients who were treated for snakebite, including indications to re-treat.
This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.
