TETANUS

 Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. When the bacteria invade the body, they produce a poison (toxin) that causes painful muscle contractions. Another name for tetanus is “lockjaw”. It often causes a person's neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.

During the same year, tetanus was produced in animals by injecting them with samples of soil. In 1889, Kitasato Shibasaburo

MODE OF TRANSMISSION : -

• Wounds contaminated with dirt, poop (feces), or spit (saliva)
• Wounds caused by an object puncturing the skin (puncture wounds), like a nail or needle.
• Burns.
• Crush injuries.
• Injuries with dead tissue.
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INCUBATION PEROID : - 6 - 10 DAYS

 

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS :- 

• Jaw cramping.
• Sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms) – often in the stomach.
• Painful muscle stiffness all over the body.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Jerking or staring (seizures)
• Headache.
• Fever and sweating.
• Changes in blood pressure and fast heart rate.
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• DIAGNOSIS : -
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• Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam, medical and vaccination history, and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, muscle rigidity and pain. A laboratory test would likely be used only if your doctor suspects another condition causing the signs and symptoms.

 TREATMENT : -

There's no cure for tetanus. A tetanus infection requires emergency and long-term supportive care while the disease runs its course. Treatment consists of wound care, medications to ease symptoms and supportive care, usually in an intensive care unit.

The disease progresses for about two weeks, and recovery can last about a month.

NURSING CARE

1. Initiating supportive therapy.
2. Debriding the wound to eradicate spores and alter conditions for germination.
3. Stopping the production of toxin within the wound.
4. Neutralizing unbound toxin.
5. Controlling disease manifestations.
6. Managing complications.