What is the best initial intervention for a child bitten by a black widow spider?

The best initial intervention for a child bitten by a black widow spider is hospital admission for symptomatic care. This is primarily because black widow spider bites can lead to significant toxicity and require medical monitoring and treatment. Symptoms may include severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, hypertension, and potentially more severe systemic effects. Observing the patient in a hospital setting allows for the appropriate management of these symptoms, including pain control and monitoring for complications.

While antivenin is a specific treatment for severe cases of black widow envenomation, it is generally not administered as the first step unless the symptoms are life-threatening or severe. Most mild cases can be managed effectively with supportive care and monitoring in a medical setting.

Cold immersion may seem beneficial for pain relief but is not an appropriate intervention for spider bites, as it does not address the systemic nature of the envenomation and may even exacerbate symptoms in some cases. Intramuscular steroids are also not indicated as a primary treatment for spider bites, especially without evidence of an allergic reaction or severe inflammation.

In summary, hospital admission allows healthcare professionals to provide the necessary and timely interventions to manage the potential complications of a black widow spider bite effectively.