Tetanus Flashcards
What kind of infection is Tetanus?
Bacterial
Indication of bacterial infection in Tetanus
Involuntary muscular spasm
Causative agent of tetanus
Clostridium tetani
Incubation period of tetanus
3-30 days
Mode of transmission of tetanus
Entry into intact skin or mucus membrane
Signs appear cephalocaudal or centrifugal?
Cephalocaudal (head to toe)
First sign of tetanus
Lockjaw
Pathognomonic sign of tetanus
Rissus Sardonicus (smiles like a dog)
Other signs of tetanus
Laryngospasm with DOB
Opisthotonos (arching of the back)
Spastic paralysis (tight and hard muscles)
Vaccination for Tetanus
DPT/PENTAVALENT
If spasm occurs after administration of DPT, will we give the 2nd dose of DPT?
Yes, but remove components of pertussis. (Pertussis is responsible for the spasms) – DT vaccine
What do we give if patient with tetanus has no wound
Give tetanus toxoid (antigen)
How many shots of Tetanus toxoid should we give?
2 shots
Will we give tetanus toxoid to patient with tetanus but has wounds?
No, we should give tetanus anti-toxin (antibody) for patient with tetanus and evident wound.
Nursing management: how to avoid spasms
Apply Sedative
Nursing management: Seizure
Stay with client
Protect head
Remove sharps
Nursing management: Opisthotonos
Side lying position
Nursing management: Diet
High caloric diet
High caloric diet is for increasing
Metabolism (hypermetabolism)
DOC (antimicrobials)
Metronidazole
Penicillin
Tetracycline
Erythromycin
Chloramphenicol
Metronidazole classifications and what to avoid when taking it
Antimicrobial
Anti-seizure
Avoid alcohol
Tetracycline is an antimicrobial and it requires avoiding what food
Food rich in Calcium
DOC for seizure
Dilantin (adults)
Phenobarbital (child)
Normal urine color when taking dilantin
Pinkish to reddish
DOC for muscle relaxant
Rebaxin
Diazepam
Confirmatory for Tetanus but not used due to the anaerobic nature of the causative agent
Wound culture
Tests the Patient but sitting the patient, and examiner stimulates client’s uvula
Spatula test
When is spatula test positive?
When the client bites the material used with spasms
When is the spatula test negative?
Client has gag reflex
