Tetanus
Tetanus
Tetanus is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. The primary symptoms are caused by tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin produced by the Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Clostridium tetani spores can be found most commonly in soil, dust and manure, but also exist virtually anywhere. If deposited in a wound the neurotoxin interferes with nerves that control muscle movement.
The signs and symptoms of tetanus may include:
▪ Muscle spasms that begin in the jaw and neck
▪ Inability to open the mouth (lockjaw)
▪ Swallowing problems
▪ Breathing difficulties
▪ Painful convulsions
▪ Abnormal heart rhythms.
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and sometimes, a person dies despite prompt medical attention.
Treatment for tetanus may include:
▪ Antitoxin called tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralise the tetanus toxin
▪ Hospitalisation
▪ Anti-convulsive medications
▪ Antibiotics
▪ Life support – for example, the person may be placed on an artificial respirator if they have severe breathing problems
▪ Vaccination, if the adult hasn’t had a booster shot in the previous five years.
Nursing Diagnosis for Tetanus
1. Ineffective Airway Clearance related to accumulation of secretions result of damage to the muscles of swallowing.
2. Acute Pain related to injury agents (biological).
3. Risk for Aspiration related to loss of consciousness, swallowing disorders.
4. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to damage to transport oxygen through the alveolar and capillary membranes.
5. Risk for Injury related to an increase in muscle coordination (convulsions), irritability.
6. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased swallowing reflexes, less intake.
7. Risk for Infection related to immune primary, invasive procedures.
8. Impaired Swallowing related to neuromuscular damage swallowing muscles.
9. Impaired Urinary
Tetanus is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers. The primary symptoms are caused by tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin produced by the Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Clostridium tetani spores can be found most commonly in soil, dust and manure, but also exist virtually anywhere. If deposited in a wound the neurotoxin interferes with nerves that control muscle movement.
The signs and symptoms of tetanus may include:
▪ Muscle spasms that begin in the jaw and neck
▪ Inability to open the mouth (lockjaw)
▪ Swallowing problems
▪ Breathing difficulties
▪ Painful convulsions
▪ Abnormal heart rhythms.
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and sometimes, a person dies despite prompt medical attention.
Treatment for tetanus may include:
▪ Antitoxin called tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralise the tetanus toxin
▪ Hospitalisation
▪ Anti-convulsive medications
▪ Antibiotics
▪ Life support – for example, the person may be placed on an artificial respirator if they have severe breathing problems
▪ Vaccination, if the adult hasn’t had a booster shot in the previous five years.
Nursing Diagnosis for Tetanus
1. Ineffective Airway Clearance related to accumulation of secretions result of damage to the muscles of swallowing.
2. Acute Pain related to injury agents (biological).
3. Risk for Aspiration related to loss of consciousness, swallowing disorders.
4. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to damage to transport oxygen through the alveolar and capillary membranes.
5. Risk for Injury related to an increase in muscle coordination (convulsions), irritability.
6. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to decreased swallowing reflexes, less intake.
7. Risk for Infection related to immune primary, invasive procedures.
8. Impaired Swallowing related to neuromuscular damage swallowing muscles.
9. Impaired Urinary