Animal bites

GROUP 2
Objectives

At the end of this presentation, learners should be able to;

• Define different animal bites
• List signs and symptoms of bites
• Outline complications of bites
• Discuss the nursing management of bites
Dog bite

 A dog bite is any bruising or break of the skin caused by any contact with the
tooth of a dog. Dog bites may result in infection, disfigurement, temporary or
permanent disability.
 Dog bites typically cause a puncture wound in the skin, as well as lacerations
(jagged cuts) and abrasions (scrapes) which can lead to infection and scarring.
 Infections can occur if the skin is broken and bacteria from the saliva of the dog
enters the bloodstream.
Signs and symptoms of an infected dog
bite
Signs that show that a dog bite may be infected are:

 Swelling
 Increasing tenderness around the bite
 Discharge from the wound
 pain
Complications of dog bites

Dog bites can cause several complications. These include infections, tetanus, rabies
and nerve or muscle damage
INFECTIONS
Bacteria that live in a dogs mouth include:
 Staphylococcus
 Pasteurella
 Capnocytophaga
These germs can cause bacterial infections if the dog breaks the skin.
Cont…

NERVE OR MUSCLE DAMAGE

 A deep bite can cause damage to the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels under the skin.
BROKEN BONES
 A bite from a large dog may result in broken, splintered or fractured bones, especially in the legs, feet or
hands.
TETANUS
 This is an infection that results from a toxic substance produced by tetanus germs in a wound spreading into
the body's nerves causing severe muscular spasm, particularly in the jaw.

Symptoms of tetanus:
 Cramping in the jaw
 Muscles spasms
 Difficulty swallowing
 Muscle stiffness
Cont…

RABIES
 It is a potentially fatal disease spread by the saliva of infected animals. It affects
the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord)

The symptoms of rabies are:

 A headache, fever
 Weakness
 An itching or prickling feeling around the bite.
Nursing management of dog bites

 Wash the bite carefully with clean water to prevent infection

 Try to keep the injured area elevated and apply pressure to stop bleeding
 Place a clean cloth over the injury.
 A patient should be given anti-rabies injection
Snake bites

A snake bite is a wound resulting from penetration of the flash by the fangs of a
snake, especially a snake secreting venom through or near the fangs.
Signs and symptoms of snake bites

 A pair of puncture marks

 Severe pain and swelling, redness at the bite
 The whole limb may become swollen and bruised within 24 hours
 Nausea and vomiting
 Disturbed vision
 Increased salivation and sweating
 Labored breathing
Nursing management

 Help the casualty to sit down and make the casualty comfortable.
 Reassure the casualty not to move the limbs to prevent venom spreading.
 Immobilize an upper limb in a sling and apply broad fold bandage around the
limb and body; secure a lower limb to the other leg with broad and narrow fold
bandages.
 Keep the casualty immobilized throughout
 Do not apply a tourniquet, slash the wound with a knife or try to suck out the
venom.
 If the causality becomes unresponsive, open the airway abd check breathing.
Cont….

 If the casualty sustains a painless bite from an exotic snake, place a pad on the site
and apply a pressure bandage on top; extend the bandages as far up the limb as
possible.
 Do not interfere with clothing at the site as movement increases the absorption of
the venom into the bloodstream
Cont….

 Apply another pressure bandage to extend from the bite as far up the limb as
possible. Check circulation after bandaging.
 If possible, mark the site on bite. Immobilize the limb by securing it to the other
leg with broad and narrow fold bandages.
 If the bite is on the trunk a pressure bandage should still be applied.
 Monitor and record the casualty's vital signs while waiting for help to arrive
Spider bites

 Spider bite is red, inflamed, sometimes itch or painful bump on the skin caused by
the venom of spider .
Signs and symptoms
 Itchy near the bite
 Reddened
 Swollen
 Nausea and vomiting
 Headache
 Difficulty breathing
Nursing management

 Help the person to sit or lie down

 Assess the injured person 's conditions by checking the person 's consciousness
and breathing and finding out what is wrong with the person depending on the
type of spider
 Call for help and urgent transport to medical care if the person shows serious
symptoms e.g.: breathing difficulties
 Wrap ice a cloth or towel and apply it to the stung or bitten area to reduce
swelling and pain . If there is no ice water may be used
 Monitor vital signs -breathing ,pulse and level of response
Cont…

 Arrange medical attention for the person when they experience extreme pain or
itching
 Stay with the person until they receive medical , when urgent transport to medical
 Check their consciousness and breathing every minute
 Act according to the observations
 Take off the disposable gloves and wash hands after providing first aid
Scorpion bites

An injury caused by the venom of scorpion. Scorpion stings can be painful, but the
vast majority of them are harmless.
Signs and symptoms
• Itchy skin
• Wheezing
• Reddened skin
• Swelling
Nursing management

 Reassure the casualty and help him to sit or lie down.

 Raise the affected part if possible. Place a cold compress such as an ice pack or
cold pad on the affected area for at least ten minutes to minimize the risk of
swelling.
 Monitor vital signs-breathing ,pulse and level of response.
 Watch for sings of an allergic reaction ,such as wheezing or reddened, swollen
and itchy skin.