Question
A farmer presents with a painful snakebite wound on his right foot. There are two fang marks with swelling and bleeding at the bite site. What is the first step in management?
| A. |
Polyvalent ASV |
| B. |
Sling or splint leading to immobilization |
| C. |
Venom suction |
| D. |
See the snake brought by a relative |
|
Correct Answer » B Explanation |
 |
The patient’s presentation suggests a venomous snakebite due to:
– Two fang marks
– Local pain, swelling & bleeding, indicating probable hemotoxic envenomation (viper bite)
Snakebite management follows a stepwise approach.
The first priority is to prevent venom spread from the bite site to systemic circulation.
Venom initially spreads via the lymphatic system, not directly through blood.
Limb movement ↑ lymphatic flow, accelerating venom absorption.
Thus, the first management step is immobilizing the affected limb with a splint or sling, which:
– Minimizes muscle movement
– Reduces lymphatic drainage
– Slows systemic venom spread
This simple, immediate step is crucial in pre-hospital care.
Definitive treatment with anti-snake venom (ASV) occurs after hospital stabilization and assessment—not first at the bite site.
Incorrect Options:
A. Polyvalent ASV is definitive but given later due to anaphylaxis risk & monitoring.
C. Venom suction is obsolete & harmful; it ↑ tissue damage, infection risk, and delays treatment.
D. Bringing the snake is unnecessary and dangerous; treatment is based on clinical features, not snake ID.