MyCpdZw - Protocols Details

REDBACK SPIDER BITES

The bite of the Redback Spider is highly venomous. It is characterised by intense localised pain around the bite site

Diagnosis

Usually apparent from history.

1:5 require anti-venom.

205 of bites result in envenomation.

Initially bite is felt as a mild sting.

With clinically significant envenomation:

· Within 15 minutes -1 hour the bite becomes more painful, even severe & extend to the regional lymph nodes,

· May develop localized sweating

· Pain may extend to the whole limb, abdomen, chest or head within 1-24 hours

· There may be nausea, malaise, hypertension, profuse sweating.

Management

1. If there are clinically significant sign’s of envenomation administer 2 vials of anti-venom IV over 15-20 minutes (Dilute 1:10 in Hartmanns, ie 50 mls),

2. Repeat after 2 hours if there is incomplete resolution of symptoms or relapse occurs

3. Occasionally a total of 6 vials may be required, especially with delayed presentation

4. If there is no improvement after 6 vials reconsider the diagnosis,

5. Anti-venom is effective even up to a week after the original bite,

6. Serum sickness is unusual with Red Back Spider anti-venom but warn patients to be observant of symptoms (rash, generalized aches, malaise, fevers, rash).

Recent Protocols

COVID 19

COVID 19 is a disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus which is a large family of corona viruses causing illnesses. In humans it causes Respiratory infections for example Severe Acute Respiratory Disease (SARs) PRESENTATION Fever 77-98% Cough 46-82% Myalgia/Fatigue 11-52% Shortness of breath 3-31% Incubation period 14 days, most people develop symptoms between 5-6ays from exposure Stage1 (Early infection). Stage 2. Stage 3(Hyperinflation phase) Viral response---------------------------Pulmonary Phase----------------------Host Response *Anyone presenting with flu like symptoms should be assumed to be a COVID 19 case until proven otherwise*

WARFARIN OVERDOSE/ TOXICITY

Overdose of the oral anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), or drug interactions with warfarin, can lead to toxicity. Similarly, toxicity can result from exposure to superwarfarins, which are long-acting anticoagulants used in rodenticides. ... Warfarin is the most common oral anticoagulant in current use

SUICIDAL IDEATION

Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, is thinking about or having an unusual preoccupation with suicide.

SPINAL CORD INJURY

Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident may include: Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes. Loss of bladder or bowel control.