Question

Treatment of insect stings include all of the following EXCEPT?

1) cleanse the area
2) remove the stinger with tweezers
3) watch closely for anaphylactic reaction

Answer 1

To treat insect stings, it is advised not to use tweezers to remove the stinger; instead, gently scrape it off. Proper treatment involves cleansing the area, monitoring for anaphylactic reactions, and using epinephrine if necessary. The correct answer is option 2 (remove the stinger with tweezers) is not recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment of insect stings includes several steps, but the option that is NOT recommended is to remove the stinger with tweezers. This is because squeezing the stinger can actually inject more venom into the skin. Instead, it is advised to gently scrape off the stinger using a flat object like a credit card.

Proper treatment involves cleansing the area to prevent infection, monitoring for anaphylactic reaction, which is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, and possibly self-administering an epinephrine shot if prescribed and available. Follow-up treatments often include antihistamines and corticosteroids to manage further allergic responses.

The correct answer is option 2 (remove the stinger with tweezers) is not recommended.