N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 151 of 204 • Take off any constrictive jewelry and clothes • Continue to measure temperature • Patient teaching on proper weather apparel: gloves, scarves, hats, and layered clothing; teach patient to not use alcohol or smoke in cold weather and to exercise to increase circulation Expected outcomes for frostbite: • Verbalizes increased comfort and pain relief • Remains free from infection • Demonstrates increased and adequate circulation to affected areas • Verbalizes understanding of measures to prevent hypothermia Bites and Stings: Animals/Insects Bites and stings can break the skin and allow toxins, poisons, and infection into the skin’s surface or into the entire body system. Stings are caused by bees, wasps, spiders, and ticks. The most common animal bites are dogs, but also come from cats, squirrels, raccoons, and snakes Bites and stings are categorized in three ways: • Snakes: Most bites from snakes are not poisonous, but when they do result in an injection of poisonous venom, they need immediate emergency treatment with anti-venom. Snake bites are common in the summer and occur when snakes are disturbed. • Insects: Insect bites and stings can be harmful in a few different ways. Certain stings can cause an allergic reaction, some can cause systemic infection, such as tick bites with Lyme disease, and others can cause a hypersensitivity to venom. • Animal bites: Animal bites cause an opening in the skin and exposure to bacteria and infection. One disease that can be transmitted is rabies; it requires immediate rabies vaccination and emergency treatment. Signs and symptoms of insect stings and animal bites: • Allergic reaction • Erythema • Swelling • Pain • Bleeding • Necrosis • Fever • Chills • Fatigue • Weakness • GI upset • Joint pain • Myalgia • Neurotoxicity • Respiratory distress • Hypotension • Coagulation issues • Seizure • Coma • Death temperature and feeling