Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following complications is LEAST likely to arise from a severe, untreated case of tetanus?
Which of the following complications is LEAST likely to arise from a severe, untreated case of tetanus?
- Pulmonary complications resulting from respiratory muscle spasms
- Fractures caused by extreme rigidity and forceful muscle contractions
- Intramuscular hematoma due to sustained muscle contractions
- Increased bone density due to increased muscle tension (correct)
A patient presents with muscle spasms, profuse sweating, and pain around a wound. What is the MOST critical immediate intervention?
A patient presents with muscle spasms, profuse sweating, and pain around a wound. What is the MOST critical immediate intervention?
- Administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic to prevent secondary infection
- Controlling muscle spasms with benzodiazepines before local debridement (correct)
- Administering tetanus toxoid to stimulate antibody production
- Performing immediate surgical debridement of the wound
Why might penicillin or metronidazole administration be considered 'not a necessary adjunct' in the treatment of tetanus?
Why might penicillin or metronidazole administration be considered 'not a necessary adjunct' in the treatment of tetanus?
- Antibiotics interfere with the action of tetanus immunoglobulin
- Antibiotics are ineffective against Clostridium tetani
- Antibiotics increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant strains
- The primary pathology of tetanus is toxin-mediated, not infection-mediated (correct)
Which of the following actions would be the LEAST effective in preventing tetanus infection following a puncture wound?
Which of the following actions would be the LEAST effective in preventing tetanus infection following a puncture wound?
A patient with suspected tetanus exhibits opisthotonus. Which of the following interventions is MOST crucial to manage this specific symptom?
A patient with suspected tetanus exhibits opisthotonus. Which of the following interventions is MOST crucial to manage this specific symptom?
If a patient is allergic to penicillin and metronidazole, which alternative treatment could be considered to combat C. tetani in a tetanus infection?
If a patient is allergic to penicillin and metronidazole, which alternative treatment could be considered to combat C. tetani in a tetanus infection?
A patient received a deep puncture wound and has an uncertain tetanus immunization history. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate course of action?
A patient received a deep puncture wound and has an uncertain tetanus immunization history. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate course of action?
What is the underlying mechanism by which Clostridium tetani toxin induces muscle spasms in tetanus?
What is the underlying mechanism by which Clostridium tetani toxin induces muscle spasms in tetanus?
Why is meticulous wound care and debridement crucial in preventing and managing tetanus?
Why is meticulous wound care and debridement crucial in preventing and managing tetanus?
Which aspect of Clostridium tetani's biology contributes MOST significantly to its ability to cause widespread disease, even from a localized wound?
Which aspect of Clostridium tetani's biology contributes MOST significantly to its ability to cause widespread disease, even from a localized wound?
Flashcards
Clostridia
Clostridia
Rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that form endospores and cause diseases.
Tetanus
Tetanus
A severe disease caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, leading to muscle spasms.
Tetanus Initial Symptom
Tetanus Initial Symptom
Initial tetanus symptom: cramping and twitching of muscles around the wound area.
Opisthotonus
Opisthotonus
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Tetanus Complications
Tetanus Complications
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Tetanus Prevention: Wound Care
Tetanus Prevention: Wound Care
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Tetanus Prevention: Toxoid
Tetanus Prevention: Toxoid
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Debridement
Debridement
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Benzodiazepines for Tetanus
Benzodiazepines for Tetanus
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Penicillin/Metronidazole for Tetanus
Penicillin/Metronidazole for Tetanus
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Study Notes
- Clostridia are rod-shaped, obligate anaerobes that produce endospores.
- They cause gas gangrene, tetanus, botulism, pseudomembranous colitis, and food poisoning, among other diseases.
- Clostridium tetani is one species that produces tetanus.
Tetanus
- Tetanus is a severe disease caused by the toxin of C. tetani.
- The organism grows in a wound and secretes a toxin that systemically invades and causes muscle spasms.
- Initial symptoms include cramping and twitching of muscles around the wound.
- Other symptoms include profuse sweating and pain, especially in the area of the wound and around the neck and jaw muscles (trismus).
- Portions of the body may become extremely rigid, and opisthotonus is common.
- Complications include fractures, bowel impaction, intramuscular hematoma, muscle ruptures, and pulmonary, renal, and cardiac problems.
Prevention and Control
- Meticulous wound care using aseptic technique
- Prophylactic injections of tetanus toxoid
- Local debridement, after the patient's spasms are controlled by benzodiazepines, is required.
- Penicillin or metronidazole is administered to kill the bacteria.
- Human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG) injected intramuscularly: dosage recommendations vary from 500 IU in a single intramuscular injection to 3000-6000 IU injected intramuscularly in several sites.
- Respiratory assistance and intravenous fluids provide supportive measures.
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Description
Clostridium tetani is a bacterium that causes tetanus. Tetanus is a severe disease characterized by muscle spasms and rigidity. Prevention includes wound care, tetanus toxoid injections, and debridement.
