Question

*picture of black widow spider*

A 25-year-old man is brought into the ED after he was bit by a spider. He brings the dead spider with him to show you. Which of the following statements is correct regarding this type of spider bite?
A A bite causes local necrotic wound toxicity
B An antivenom is not available in the United States
C Envenomation causes the release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine at nerve terminals leading to severe muscle cramping and systemic effects
D The spider's venom contains a variety of cytotoxic enzymes

Answer 1

The bite of a black widow spider causes the release of neurotransmitters leading to muscle cramps and systemic effects, rather than local necrosis. Symptoms last from 3-7 days, and the venom contains latrotoxins.

Step-by-step explanation:

Responses to Black Widow Spider Bites

The correct statement regarding the bite of a black widow spider is that envenomation causes the release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine at nerve terminals leading to severe muscle cramping and systemic effects. The venom primarily contains latrotoxins, which can lead to pain and sweating at the site of the bite, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms after a black widow spider bite typically last from 3-7 days. Contrary to some other spider venoms, such as that of the brown recluse which can cause local necrosis, or the potential contribution of a Brazilian wandering spider's venom component in ED treatment, the black widow's venom does not primarily contain cytotoxic enzymes responsible for local tissue damage, nor is it intended for use in medical treatments for conditions like ED