NREMT Paramedic Practice

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Prepare for the NREMT Paramedic Exam with comprehensive quizzes that cover essential topics, including patient assessment, treatment protocols, and emergency medical care. With multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations, you'll be ready to excel in your certification test.

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Which of the following is a treatment measure for jellyfish stings?

Cryotherapy
Soak in cold water
Take hot shower or immerse in hot water
Apply ice packs

The correct answer is: Take hot shower or immerse in hot water

The treatment measure for jellyfish stings that stands out is soaking or immersing in hot water. This method is supported by research indicating that heat can help to decrease pain and inactivate toxins. Specifically, immersing the affected area in water that is at least 104°F (40°C) for 20 to 45 minutes can significantly alleviate symptoms by soothing the pain and neutralizing the neurotoxic effects of the venom. Injuries from certain jellyfish, like box jellyfish, can cause intense pain and a hot water immersion can be particularly effective in managing these severe reactions. The hot water combines with the pain-relieving effects and can help with blood circulation, aiding in the reduction of venom activity. Other treatment measures such as cryotherapy, soaking in cold water, or applying ice packs are indeed often recommended for various types of injuries and conditions but are not advised for jellyfish stings because they can exacerbate pain and may cause the nematocysts (stinging cells) to release more venom, worsening the situation.