Tetanus Flashcards
1
Q
what is tetanus caused by?
A
clostidium tetani
2
Q
how do tetanospasmin affect the body?
A
prevents the release of GABA
3
Q
what group of people are most at risk for tetanus?
A
IV drug users
4
Q
what are the features of tetanus?
A
- prodrome fever, lethargy, headache
- trismus (lockjaw)
- risus sardonicus - facial spasms
- opisthotonus - arched back, hyperextended neck
- spasms (e.g. dysphagia)
5
Q
how is tetanus managed?
A
- supportive therapy - ventilatory support and muscle relaxants
- IM human tetanus immunoglonulin
- metronidazole
6
Q
who receives IM human tetanus immunoglobulin?
A
high-risk wounds
