STAGES OF ILLNESS AND TETANUS

When does the Prodromal Period start and end?

Starts with first signs and symptoms; ends with general signs and symptoms

In tetanus management, what is given for wound-negative or no wound patients?

Vaccination (TT)

What nursing responsibility must be observed with tetracycline therapy?

Avoid calcium-rich foods

What is the causative agent of tetanus?

Clostridium tetani

What is another name for tetanus referring to its earliest symptom?

Lockjaw (Trismus)

What are the other signs and symptoms of tetanus?

Laryngospasm
-difficulty of breathing (DOB);
-Opisthotonus;
-Spastic paralysis

What is the stage of illness that starts upon exposure and ends with the first signs and symptoms?

Incubation Period

In spatula test, what does a positive result indicate?

Bites tongue depressor

What is another term for Illness Period?

ACME

What are the managements for tetanus?

Vaccination and Wound Care

At what ages is the DPT vaccine (Pentavalent) given for tetanus prevention and how many doses?

6, 10, 14 weeks (3 doses)

What is the alternative drug for tetanus if Metronidazole cannot be used?

Tetracycline

For tetanus toxoid, what is the minimum number of shots required?

At least 2 shots

Stage of illness where: Start: first signs and symptoms End: general signs and symptoms

Prodromal Period

What type of diet is recommended for tetanus patients and why?

High caloric diet (because of hypermetabolism)

What stage of illness begins with onset of complications and may result in death?

Defervescent Period

What is the earliest sign or symptom of tetanus?

Trismus

In which stage of illness do signs and symptoms start disappearing and recovery begins?

Convalescent Period

What is the alternative diagnostic test for tetanus?

Spatula test

During seizure in tetanus patient, what safety measure should the nurse do?

Stay with patient

In tetanus management, what is given for wound-positive or presence of wound patients?

Tetanus anti-toxin

In nursing management for tetanus, how should the environment be?

Non-stimulating: quiet, dimly lit, well-ventilated

What is the incubation period of tetanus?

3–30 days

What is the pathognomonic sign of tetanus?

Risus sardonicus

What is the confirmatory diagnostic test for tetanus?

Wound culture

What are the preventions for tetanus?

DPT vaccine/Pentavalent and Tetanus Toxoid

What is the mode of transmission of tetanus?

Entry to intact skin or mucous membrane

What is the drug of choice for tetanus?

Metronidazole

What are the actions of Metronidazole in tetanus?

-Anti-microbial
-Anti-seizure

What nursing responsibility must be observed with tetanus patients receiving Metronidazole?

Avoid alcoholic beverages

A bacterial infection characterized by involuntary muscular spasm.

Tetanus

In spatula test, what does a negative result indicate?

Presence of gag reflex

In a tetanus patient with opisthotonus, what position should be taken and what should be added?

Side lying position with supporting pillow

What stage of illness is when all symptoms appear, reaches peak (ACME), and shows the pathognomonic sign?

Illness Period

In wound care, which antiseptic is applied thinly?

Betadine

used in tetanus wound care because it releases oxygen that kills Clostridium tetani (an anaerobic organism) and helps cleanse the wound through its bubbling/debriding effect.

Hydrogen Peroxide