WFR - Wilderness First Responder Bites, Stings, and Anaphylaxis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A hiker is bitten on the ankle by a venomous pit viper. Which of the following actions is contraindicated and should be AVOIDED in the field management of this injury?

Accepted Answer

Applying ice packs directly to the bite site to reduce swelling.

Answer

Applying ice or cold packs is contraindicated as it can cause localized tissue damage (cryotherapy) and may worsen the effects of cytotoxic venom by concentrating it in one area. The other options are all recommended WFR protocols: keeping the patient calm reduces circulation of venom, splinting immobilizes the limb, and marking swelling tracks venom progression.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the correct Wilderness First Responder protocol for removing an embedded tick?

Accepted Answer

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure.

Answer

The recommended method is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick's head/mouth-parts as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting or jerking. Methods like smothering it with petroleum jelly, twisting, or using heat are not recommended because they can agitate the tick, potentially causing it to regurgitate infectious fluids into the bite wound.

Question 3

A patient is stung by a wasp and develops hives on their chest and back, complains of a tight throat, and feels dizzy. After administering epinephrine, what is the most appropriate position for this patient while awaiting evacuation?

Accepted Answer

Lying flat with their legs elevated.

Answer

The patient's dizziness indicates they are likely hypotensive (in shock) as a result of anaphylaxis. Lying flat with legs elevated (the shock position) uses gravity to help return blood to the body's core and brain. While sitting up can help with respiratory distress, the signs of shock take precedence. The patient should NEVER stand or walk.

Question 4

A patient was bitten on the hand by a spider several hours ago. The bite site is red with two small fang marks, but the patient's primary complaint is severe, cramping abdominal pain and muscle rigidity. These systemic symptoms are most characteristic of a bite from which spider?

Accepted Answer

Black Widow

Answer

Black widow venom is a potent neurotoxin that causes characteristic systemic symptoms, including severe muscle cramping (often in the abdomen and back), rigidity, nausea, and hypertension. Brown recluse bites are known for causing significant local tissue necrosis, but not the severe systemic muscle cramping described.

Question 5

A patient is stung by a bee and quickly develops a single, large (4-inch diameter), swollen, red, and intensely itchy wheal at the sting site. The patient is breathing normally, denies any throat tightness, and has no other signs or symptoms. This is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

A severe local allergic reaction.

Answer

This is a severe local allergic reaction. Although the reaction is large and uncomfortable, it is confined to the area of the sting. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic reaction that must involve two or more body systems (e.g., skin and respiratory, or skin and cardiovascular). Since this patient's respiratory and cardiovascular systems are unaffected, it is not anaphylaxis.

WFR - Wilderness First Responder Practice Test

WFR - Wilderness First Responder Practice Test

WFR - Wilderness First Responder Bites, Stings, and Anaphylaxis Questions and Answers