Envenomation and Tropical Illnesses
The woman, a tourist from the United States, was swimming in shallow water within the boundaries of a stinger net when she felt a mild sting on her right calf and arm. After 10 minutes she had moderate back pain and then had a shower. She then developed severe aching in her back, abdomen, and limbs. She felt so weak she sat on the floor and couldn’t stand. A surf life-saver noticed her distress when she started vomiting. She was taken to the local hospital and an hour later in the emergency department she was writhing in pain, profusely diaphoretic , with a blood pressure of 170/100 mmHg and a heart rate of 110/min.
Questions
What is the diagnosis? How did you make this diagnosis?
Would you suggest pethidine for analgesia? What about other opioid drugs?
Is covering the patient with vinegar a good idea?
What is the risk assessment for the patient with the condition? Is it lethal?
Describe your management plan.
