Recognizing and treating patients with envenomationsHurt, John B. MS, PA-C; Maday, Kristopher R. MS, PA-C, CNSCJournal of the American Academy of PAs: July 2016 - Volume 29 - Issue 7 - p 40–45 doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000482301.02574.30 Review Article Abstract Author InformationAuthors Article MetricsMetrics ABSTRACT Venomous spiders and snakes are found throughout the United States, and clinicians often encounter patients with suspected spider or snakebites. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality that can be related to a particular envenomation, clinicians must be able to recognize the species of spiders and snakes that are capable of delivering a venomous bite. Through proper species identification, recognition of the specific signs and symptoms that specific venom produces, and understanding the treatment guidelines for the envenomation, clinicians can properly diagnosis, treat, and manage patients with venomous bites. In the PA program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, John B. Hurt is an assistant professor and Kristopher R. Maday is an assistant professor and academic coordinator. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the following persons for their assistance with this manuscript: Keith Gauldin, wildlife biologist in the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; the Poison Control Center of Tampa Fla.; Alfred Aleguas, PhD, of the Poison Control Center of Tampa, Fla.; and the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Physician Assistants
