Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
TETANUS FELIX K. NYANDE
2
TETANUS An acute toxin mediated infectious disease of wounds characterised by muscular spasms and rigidity. A very dangerous disease. Caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani.
3
Sources of entry Dental infection Chronic otitis media
Intravenous drug use Human and animal bites Burns Frostbite Open fractures Gunshot wounds Unsafe abortions Cord sepsis
4
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY When the organism enters the body, it produces a necrosis and an exotoxin called tetanospamin. Toxin has a high affinity for nerve endings. TOXIN stimulates the nerve endings of the motor nerves causing spasms and convulsions. Also causes the blood cells to break down.
5
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Sudden onset with severe headache, fever malaise Trismus [lock jaw] Photophobia Insomnia Muscular rigidity Convulsions Risus sardonicus [sardonic grin]
6
Clinical manifestations cont’d
Opisthotonos [arching of the back] Difficulty in swallowing Respiratory distress Spasms of the larynx Cyanosis Profuse sweating Positive Babinski’s sign Positive Kernig’s sign
7
INVESTIGATIONS Wound swab for C/S FBC Blood culture
8
Management Medications Wound care: exercise rehabilitation
Anti-tetanus serum [ATS] Tetanus toxoid [T.T.] Antibiotics e.g. penicillins Sedatives e.g. diazepam Anticonvulsants e.g. phenobarbitone Wound care: dress wound with H2O2 wound debridement exercise rehabilitation
9
Nursing Management Isolation of patient
Nurse patient in a darkened room to prevent photophobia, over stimulation and spasms. Ensure a quiet environment to prevent spasms Mount side rails to prevent falling Employ barrier nursing techniques Suction p.r.n. to clear the airway
10
Rest: ensure adequate rest and sleep by
grouping nursing activities limiting visitors provision of comfortable bed adequate ventilation Quiet environment Sedation Manipulation of patient should done gently, usually with a warning before the procedure
11
Management cont’d Administer oxygen Administer prescribed I.V. fluids
An NG should be passed for feeding Observation: v/s, fits, mental state, i/o etc. Patient should be catheterised if incontinent Change bed linen if soiled Administer prescribed sedatives and anticonvulsants to control spasms
12
PREVENTION Education on the existence of tetanus and prevention
Farmers and people who work in the soil and sun should put on protective clothing Mothers should be immunised against tetanus Proper treatment of cuts and wounds to prevent them from getting infected Deliveries should be done under aseptic conditions Proper cord care to prevent infection Adequate antibiotic cover after abortion Health facilities should adopt proper infection prevention and control measures
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.