ABSTRACT

The study explores knowledge and perception of student nurses on the effective management of snake bite in a tertiary institution, Edo State. The purpose of the study was to find out the level of knowledge and perception of student nurses on the different types of venomous snake, clinical signs, immediate first aid measures, and the influence of the nursing curriculum on their knowledge and perception in managing snake bite incidents and to find out how misconceptions and outdated beliefs about snake bite treatment by student nurses affect their knowledge and perception in managing snake bite incidents in a tertiary institution, Edo State.To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and answered. The study involved 100 nursing students from the University of Benin, selected from a total population of 494. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The study found that nursing students have a low level of knowledge about venomous snakes and that the curriculum lacks adequate coverage of snakebite management. A significant 75.4% of respondents could not identify specific symptoms of neurotoxic snakebites, such as breathing difficulties and muscle weakness and 24.6% having knowledge on it. The study recommends clinical rotations or internships in rural areas to enhance students' practical knowledge of snakebite management.

Keywords: Snake bite, Knowledge, Perception, Student nurses, snakebite management.