TETANUS

Name/ Synonym/ Description Name: Tetanus Synonym: Lockjaw (Trismus) Description: Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by contamination of wounds characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers Etiologic Agent/ Signs and symptoms Mode of Transmission/ /Complications Incubation period Etiologic Agent: Signs and symptoms: Clostridium tetani The hallmark feature of tetanus is muscle rigidity MOA: and spasms. Indirectly transmitted Irritability from person to person. Muscle cramps Spores may be Sore muscles introduced through Weakness or difficulty contaminated puncture swallowing wounds, lacerations, Spasms near the wound burns or contaminated Sweating and fever injected street drugs. Trismus or lockjaw is most common. (sardonic Incubation period : smile) 3 to 21 days although it Opisthotonus (arching of may range from 1 day to the back known as) several months Fracture and joints depending upon the dislocation nature of exposure. Dysphagia Most cases occur Difficulty of breathing within14 days. Death Complications: Brain damage due to during spasms Airway obstruction Respiratory Arrest Heart Failure Pneumonia Fracture Medical/Nursing Management Medical Management: Tetanus antitoxin tetanus immune globulin (TIG). Antibiotics (PO/Parenteral) to fight tetanus bacteria. Tetanus vaccine in order to prevent future tetanus infection. Sedative to paralyze muscle spasms. Mechanical ventilator to support shallow breathing. Nursing Management: Maintenance of airway Prevention of complication (respiratory dysfunction) Treatment of autonomic nervous lack of dysfunction system oxygen (cardiac dysrhythmias) Maintenance of proper gastrointestinal function Maintenance of skin integrity Compliance with the prescribed immunization schedule. Preventive Measures Preventive Measures: Active immunization Protect the skin from being penetrated by the tetanus bacteria. Precautions should be taken to avoid stepping on nails by wearing shoes. Avoid skin injuries to reduce the risk of tetanus, for example wear gloves while gardening. Post exposure tetanus prophylaxis Thorough cleaning of all injuries and wounds and the removal of dead or severely injured tissue.

Presented by: Arugay, Queenie B. and De Alba, Elizia Andre M. SN13

Presented to: Ms. Julieta M. Damian RN, MSN (Clinical Instructor)