The stinger of a wasp is evident in the left thigh of a female who states that she is allergic to bees and has a Epi-pen for such occasions. She states that the sting occurred 2 hours ago and she just now noticed that the stinger remains in place. She did not take her epinephrine and appears asymptomatic for an allergic reaction. At this time, you would:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stinger should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further venom release. Applying a warm pack can help with pain and swelling, but it is not the priority in this situation. Administering epinephrine is not necessary at this time, as the patient is asymptomatic and has not had a severe allergic reaction. Attempting identification of the wasp may be helpful for future reference, but it is not necessary for immediate treatment.

The Stinger of a Wasp Is Evident in the Left