NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

Using a flat edge to remove the stinger is the recommended action for treating insect stings because it minimizes the chance of envenomation. When a bee or wasp stings, venom can be injected through the stinger, which may still be present in the skin. By using a flat edge, such as a credit card, the stinger can be scraped out without applying pressure, which could inadvertently squeeze more venom into the wound. This method is effective in reducing the amount of venom that enters the body, helping to alleviate pain and swelling sooner.

The other options, while common responses, might not be as effective. Removing the stinger with tweezers can actually pinch the venom sac, causing more venom to be released into the body. Applying pressure with a dry cloth does not address the issue of the stinger itself and may be more about managing blood or debris than treating the sting. Immediately applying heat can sometimes help in rare cases of stings; however, it is generally not recommended as the first step in treatment, as it could worsen the local reaction in most cases.