Question

a nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who has a snakebite on her arm. which of the following actions should the nurse take? immobilize the limb at the level of the heart. apply a tourniquet to the affected limb. use a sterile scapula to incise the wound. apply ice to the skin over the snakebite wound.

Explanation:

To determine the correct action for a snakebite, we analyze each option:

• Applying a tourniquet is incorrect as it can cause tissue damage and worsen the situation.
• Incising the wound with a sterile scapula is not a standard or recommended practice for snakebites as it can increase the risk of infection and further tissue damage.
• Applying ice is also incorrect as it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially spread the venom more or damage the tissue.
• Immobilizing the limb at the level of the heart is a correct action as it helps to slow the spread of venom by reducing the flow of blood and lymph from the site, without causing additional harm like the other options.

Answer:

A. Immobilize the limb at the level of the heart.