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Tetanus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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9 views13 pages

Tetanus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Uploaded by

aaortonio
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tetanus

Tetanus
A potentially fatal disease characterized by muscle
spasms and rigidity
due to neurotoxin production.
Etiology
Clostridium
tetani (spore-
forming bacteria)
Epidemiology
Still reported in the Philippines, especially
neonatal tetanus in home deliveries without
sterile techniques.
Source of Infection
Soil, dust, animal feces (spores enter through
wounds).
Mode of Transmission
Not person-to-person; spores
enter via contaminated wounds,
burns, or
umbilical stump.
Incubation Period
3–21 days (average 10 days)
Signs & Symptoms
Trismus (lockjaw)
Muscle stiffness
Painful spasms
Difficulty
swallowing
Risus sardonicus
Opisthotonus
Signs & Symptoms
Diagnostic Tests
Throat Swab Culture
Medical Management
Tetanus immunoglobulin
Antibiotics (metronidazole)
Wound debridement
Muscle relaxants
Supportive care
Nursing Management
Maintain airway
Administer antitoxin and antibiotics
Manage spasms
Provide wound care
Educate on hygiene
Prevention and Control Measures

Tetanus toxoid immunization (DPT, TT for


pregnant women)
Clean delivery practices
Proper wound care

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