TETANUS
ETUTOR ACADEMY
CONTENT
Definition
Types
Risk factors
Causes
Complications
Diagnosis
Management and Treatments
Prevention
Definition
Tetanus is an acute, often-fatal disease of the nervous system that is caused by nerve
toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is found throughout
the world in the soil and in animal and human intestines. The bacterium can also lay
dormant in its spore form for years before becoming activated and developing into a
regularly reproducing bacterium.
Types
• Generalized Tetanus Neonatal Tetanus
• Local Tetanus
• Cephalic Tetanus
CAUSES
Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani Clostridium tetani spores are able to survive for a long
time outside of the body. They are most commonly found in animal manure and contaminated
soil, but may exist virtually anywhere.
When Clostridium tetani enter the body, they multiply rapidly and release tetanospasmin, a
neurotoxin. When tetanospasmin enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads around the body,
causing tetanus symptoms.
Tetanospasmin interferes with the signals traveling from the brain to the nerves in the spinal
cord, and then on to the muscles, causing muscle spasms and stiffness.
Puncture wounds ; which can be caused by nails, splinters, insect bites, burns, any skin break,
and injection-drug site
Symptoms
Jaw cramping
Sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms)
often in the stomach
Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
Trouble swallowing
Jerking or staring (seizures)
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure [Elevated blood pressure]
and a fast heart rate
Painful body spasms lasting for several minutes,
typically triggered by minor occurrences, such as a
draft, loud noise, physical touch or light
Risk factors
Failure to get vaccinated or to keep up to date with booster shots against tetanus
An injury that lets tetanus spores into the wound
A foreign body, such as a nail , injection , splinter
Tetanus cases have developed from the following:
Gunshot wounds
Compound fractures
Burns
Surgical wounds
Animal or insect bites
Infected foot ulcers
Dental infections
Infected umbilical stumps in newborns born of inadequately immunized mothers
Complications
• Broken bones
• Disability
• Blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism
• Death
Diagnosis
Physical exam
Medical and immunization history
The signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and
pain. Laboratory tests generally aren’t helpful for
diagnosing tetanus.
PREVENTION
The DTP vaccine protects against a throat and respiratory
infection (diphtheria), whooping cough (pertussis) and
tetanus.
The DTP vaccine consists of a series of five shots, typically
given in the arm or thigh to children at ages:
2 months (8 Weeks), 4 months (16 weeks), 6 months, 15 to
18 months, 4 to 6 years. A booster of the tetanus vaccine is
typically given in combination with a booster of diphtheria
vaccine (TD). It's recommended that adolescents get a dose
of DTP, preferably between the ages of 11 and 12, and that a
TD booster be given every 10 years thereafter.
Treatment and medications
Since there’s no cure for tetanus, treatment consists of wound care, medications to ease symptoms and supportive
care.
Medications
Antitoxin: such as tetanus immune globulin
Antibiotics
Vaccine
Sedatives
Other drugs: Other medications, such as magnesium sulfate and certain beta blockers, might be used to regulate
involuntary muscle activity, such as your heartbeat and breathing. Morphine might be used for this purpose as well
as sedation.
Supportive therapies
Severe tetanus infection often requires a long stay in an intensive care setting. Since sedatives can inhibit breathing,
you might temporarily need a ventilator.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Admit into the intensive care unit
Place patient in a well ventilated room and lose tight clothing
Initiating supportive therapy
Prevent triggers like light and sound
Debriding the wound to eradicate spores and alter conditions for
germination.
Controlling diseases manifestations
Manage complications
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