A provider prescribes diazepam (Valium) to a client who was bitten by a black widow spider. The client asks, "What is this medication for?" How should the nurse respond?
a. "This medication is an antivenom for this type of bite."
b. "It will relieve your muscle rigidity and spasms."
c. "It prevents respiratory difficulty from excessive secretions."
d. "This medication will prevent respiratory failure."
ANS: B
Black widow spider venom produces a syndrome known as latrodectism, which manifests as severe abdominal pain, muscle rigidity and spasm, hypertension, and nausea and vomiting. Diazepam is a muscle relaxant that can relieve pain related to muscle rigidity and spasms. It does not prevent respiratory difficulty or failure.
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