A school-age child has been bitten on the leg by a large snake that may be poisonous. During ...

ANS: B
The leg should be immobilized. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which allows the venom to work more destruction and decreases the effect of antivenin on the natural immune mechanisms. A loose tourniquet is placed proximal, not distal, to the area of the bite to delay the flow of lymph. This can delay movement of the venom into the peripheral circulation. The tourniquet should be applied so that a pulse can be felt distal to the bite. Warmth increases circulation to the area and helps the toxin into the peripheral circulation.