Bryant: Pharmacology for Health Professionals, 5th Edition

Chapter 44: Envenomation and Antivenoms

Test Bank

Multiple Choice

1. The adverse reaction of greatest concern with snake antivenom administration is:

A. Transmission of equine viruses to humans

B. Chest pain

C. Coagulopathies

D. Anaphylaxis

ANS: D

Anaphylaxis is the greatest concern and the risk is greater in individuals allergic to horses, horse-based products (equine proteins) or antivenoms.

2. With respect to monovalent antivenoms, which of the following statements is TRUE:

A. They are raised against venom from a single species

B. Smaller dose of antivenom is used

C. It is essential to identify the species of snake involved

D. All of the above

ANS: D

These antivenoms are raised against the venom from a single species of snake. Usually, smaller doses are required, which decreases the risk of adverse effects, but snake identification with snake identification kits is essential to avoid administration of the wrong type of antivenom, which could be dangerous.

3. With respect to polyvalent antivenoms, which of the following statements is TRUE:

A. They are raised against venom from a single species

B. Smaller dose of antivenom is used

C. Essential to identify the species of snake involved

D. None of the above

ANS: D

These antivenoms are produced using venom from a number of species, which broadens usefulness of the antivenom and makes identification of the snake less important. However, larger doses of the agent are required to provide the desired effect.