Patients treated for black widow bites with calcium gluconate should also receive what preventive measure?

In the context of treating black widow spider bites, the recommended preventive measure is to administer a tetanus shot. This is particularly important because the circumstances surrounding a black widow bite often raise concerns about the patient's immunization status against tetanus. If the patient is not up to date on their tetanus vaccinations, there is a risk of tetanus infection, especially if the wound is contaminated.

Calcium gluconate is administered to help alleviate symptoms associated with the envenomation by mitigating the effects of the neurotoxic venom; however, it does not provide protection against tetanus. Therefore, ensuring that the patient is current with their tetanus immunization is a crucial preventive step following such an injury.

The other vaccines listed—influenza, pneumococcal, and rabies—are not indicated in the immediate management of snake bites or spider bites and would not be necessary preventive measures in this scenario.