Tetanus

Question 1

Tetanus (What is it?)

Answer 1

Exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, gram positive anaerobic rod

Question 2

Pathogenesis of Tetanus?

Answer 2

Spores enter through wound (ie. puncture) and regenerate under anaerobic conditions

Question 3

Tetanus acts on which nervous system?

Answer 3

Central and Peripheral

Question 4

Incubation period of tetanus?

Answer 4

3-21 days

Question 5

Sx of Tetanus? (Think: TOP to BOTTOM)

Answer 5

1. Lockjaw/Trismus
2. Neck stiffness
3. Difficulty swallowing
4. Muscular rigidity
5. Severe muscle spams

Question 6

How do neonatals contract tetanus?

Answer 6

Un-vaccinated mothers through an infected umbilical stump

Question 7

What are the 7 complications of tetanus?

Answer 7

1. Laryngospasms
2. Fractures
3. HTN
4. Nosocomial Infections
5. PE
6. Aspiration PNA
7. Death

Question 8

Are there specific laboratory findings for a patient with tetanus?

Answer 8

No

Question 9

What type of patients are at risk to contract tetanus?

Answer 9

1. Drug users (ie. inject-able drugs)
2. Multiple tattoo
3. Body piercings

Question 10

What is the typical management of tetanus? Describe.

Answer 10

Supportive care (ie. Hospitalization, airway management, anti-spasmodics)

Question 11

What two medications can be given to treat tetanus?

Answer 11

1. Tetanus Toxoid (Vaccination)

2. Tetanus Immune Globin (TIG - given IM)

Question 12

What are the four vaccinations for tetanus?

Answer 12

1. DTaP
2. DT
3. Td
4. Tdap

Question 13

What do large letters indicate in the vaccinations?

Answer 13

Higher doses