Which sign is characteristic of a cytotoxic snakebite?

The characteristic sign of a cytotoxic snakebite is severe pain. Cytotoxic snake venom often contains components that cause significant tissue damage and pain at the bite site. This pain is usually intense and can be associated with rapid local swelling, necrosis, and other systemic symptoms depending on the severity of the envenomation. The severe pain is a primary indicator that helps in diagnosing a cytotoxic snakebite and prompts immediate medical attention and treatment.

In the broader context, while coagulopathy, dyspnea, and descending paralysis may indicate other types of snakebites or could be secondary effects in some envenomations, they are not the main signs associated with cytotoxic snakes. For example, some venomous snakes may lead to coagulopathy due to hemotoxic effects rather than cytotoxic effects. Dyspnea can result from various causes in venomous bites but does not specifically point to cytotoxic envenomation. Descending paralysis is commonly associated with neurotoxic venoms rather than cytotoxic types. Hence, severe pain serves as a hallmark sign of a cytotoxic snakebite, aiding in the distinction and identification of the specific type of venom effect.