Scorpion
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Scorpion
Scorpions, found mostly in the western and especially the southwestern United States, are up to
See a photograph of a scorpion 
.
Although some scorpions are not poisonous, others have venom strong enough to kill a person. Scorpions are found in cool, damp places, such as basements, junk piles, and wood piles. Symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:
- Intense immediate pain lasting from minutes to 24 hours.
- Swelling, itching, and a change in skin color.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Anxiety, drowsiness, and fainting.
- Increased saliva, tears, and sweat.
- Numbness of the tongue.
- Vision problems.
- Diarrhea or inability to control bowels.
- Swollen glands.
If you have been stung by a scorpion, contact a health professional immediately. Medicine (antivenin) may be needed to counteract the effects of the scorpion sting.
Credits
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | February 13, 2006 |
| Last updated: | February 13, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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