HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 14-3
Emergency: Bites & Stings __RN
PURPOSE:
To prevent further damage and obtain medical treatment.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Infection, rabies, and tetanus are all possible dangers, depending on the animal involved.
2. A bite on the face or neck should receive immediate medical attention.
EQUIPMENT:
Sterile or clean gauze
Tape
Soap and water
Gloves – if available
See Table 15-3A
PROCEDURE:
See the next page for signs, symptoms, and care of different bites and stings.
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient.
3. Hold wound under running water and wash thoroughly with soap. Do not use antiseptics.
4. Pat dry with gauze.
5. Cover with unmedicated dressing. Avoid movement of affected part. Control bleeding if present.
6. Notify physician – transfer to ER
7. Notify Health Department. Be sure family understands importance of follow up with Health Department (In some
areas incident is reportable to police, Public Health Department and Department of Agriculture.)
8. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
AFTER CARE:
1. Do not let anyone destroy or release the animal. Note color, kind of animal, and other identifying information,
especially name and address of animal's owner.
2. Document in patient's record:
a. Incident and degree of injury.
b. Treatment provided.
c. Patient's response to treatment.
d. Notification of physician and Health Department.
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