Citation

Gaisford K, Kautz DD. Dimens. Crit. Care Nurs. 2011; 30(2): 79-86.

Affiliation

Maxim Healthcare Services Salisbury, North Carolina; University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/DCC.0b013e318205211a

PMID

21307681

Abstract

This article is a case study of a patient cared for in the hours before her death. After the patient's death, we learned the patient died of a black widow spider bite. This article sheds light on the potential seriousness of this venom and allows for more rapid detection and treatment of those who are unfortunate enough to be bitten. The authors have documented the sequence of events for the patient, outlined the care the patient received, examined the pathophysiology of the body to a spider bite, and then made a passionate appeal for other nurses who work in critical care to do the same with patients in similar situations.

Language: en