Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Healthcare workers in resource-limited settings may encounter patients with snakebite-related gastrointestinal complications, requiring awareness of systemic manifestations and potential bleeding risks during procedures
• Knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals regarding snakebite management highlight the importance of continuing education and preparation for managing unexpected presentations in endoscopy units
• Patients from endemic areas may present with delayed complications from snakebite envenomation, including gastrointestinal bleeding or coagulopathy that could impact procedural safety
• Understanding regional disease patterns and toxic exposures enhances comprehensive patient assessment and risk stratification before endoscopic procedures

Clinical Relevance

While snakebite may seem unrelated to gastroenterology nursing practice, this research underscores critical considerations for endoscopy professionals, particularly those working with diverse patient populations or in areas where venomous snakes are present. Snakebite envenomation can cause significant systemic effects including coagulopathy, hemolysis, and gastrointestinal bleeding—all of which directly impact procedural safety and patient management in endoscopy units. Understanding these potential complications is essential for proper pre-procedural assessment and risk stratification.

The knowledge gaps identified among healthcare workers in this study reflect a broader challenge in medical education and training. For GI nurses, this highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of uncommon but serious conditions that may present in our units. Patients with recent or remote snakebite history may require modified procedural approaches, enhanced monitoring, or delayed procedures depending on their coagulation status and systemic stability. Additionally, recognition of snake envenomation symptoms can be crucial when patients present with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or systemic illness.

From an operational perspective, this research emphasizes the value of comprehensive patient histories and the need for nursing staff to be prepared for diverse clinical presentations. Endoscopy units should consider incorporating questions about recent animal bites or environmental exposures into their pre-procedural screening protocols, especially when serving populations from endemic areas. This proactive approach can prevent complications and ensure appropriate preparation for procedures involving patients with potential coagulopathy or systemic toxicity.

Bottom Line

This study serves as a reminder that GI nurses must maintain broad clinical awareness beyond traditional gastroenterology conditions, as patients with snakebite envenomation may present with coagulopathy and gastrointestinal complications that directly impact procedural safety and require specialized management considerations in the endoscopy setting.