Friday July 9, 1999 - Question 14

A 10 year old boy is bitten on his left upper arm by a black widow spider approximately 30 minutes ago.  The father has positively identified the spider.  The child is now in the local emergency room.  His blood pressure is 160 / 100, respirations 26, and heart rate 120.  The physician is requesting information on the following:

a. What additional symptoms might be expected?

b. What treatment is indicated at this time?

c. Comment on the use of Black widow spider antivenin in this patient.
 

Response