Tetanus

Question 1

What is a spore forming, anaerobic, gram positive bacterium with a scientific name of clostridium tentani

Answer 1

Tetanus

Question 2

What is the common name for tetanus

Answer 2

lockjaw

Question 3

incubation period of tetanus

Answer 3

3-21 days. usually 8. longer incubation period the further the inoculation site is from CNS

Question 4

What causes the sx of tetanus

Answer 4

two exotoxins from germination of spores. One of the most potent toxins known.

toxins inhibit nerve terminals, blocking release of inhibitory neurotransmiters leading to disinhibition of lower motor neruons. (causes muscle rigidity and spams)

Question 5

Sx of tetanus

Answer 5

first sign is lock jaw, follwed by nuchal rigidity, dysphagia, and rigidity of ab muscles.

late sx of apnea, fractures during spams, aspiration pneumonia, and death secondary to respiratory arrest.

Question 6

Tetanus prevention

Answer 6

clean all wouds, debride necrotic material. administer proper TDAP vaccination series.
do not prescribe antibiotics