Observation and patient disposition after a penetrating injury from venomous fish

Admit patients with a penetrating injury from stonefish if they require treatment with antivenom.

Discharge patients after penetrating injuries from venomous fish once their pain and systemic symptoms are controlled.

Review patients within 24 to 48 hours to enable early detection of infection after a penetrating marine injury, then review the wound regularly until symptoms have resolved. If infection is suspected, see here.

Advise patients treated with antivenom that serum sickness can occur about 4 to 14 days after administration of the antivenom and to seek medical advice if this occurs. For more information on serum sickness, see Serum sickness.