Tetanus toxoid prophylaxis is important in any person who has sustained open trauma because
A) boosters are required throughout life.
B) tetanus toxoid is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
C) organisms that cause tetanus enter the body directly into the bloodstream through wounds.
D) all of the above.

Question

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Open wounds can be the source of tetanus infection; therefore, tetanus prophylaxis must be provided. Those who have completed the initial inoculation series for tetanus require a booster dose every 10 years. Those with no previous inoculation history are given tetanus immune globulin (TIG) (human) and referred to a physician for the complete series of tetanus toxoid inoculations. When the patient has not had a booster injection within the past 10-year period, the booster injection of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) is recommended and/or administered.
Bleeding can be a factor in open trauma and must be addressed at once. Some injuries need only basic first aid, whereas others require medical intervention and surgical repair. Regardless of the severity of the injury, appropriate treatment aids healing and lessens scarring. Orthopedic and neurologic traumas are addressed in Chapters 7 and 13, respectively. Tetanus is addressed in Chapter 2 as follows: The bacillus Clostridium tetani is found in contaminated soil and animal excreta and enters the skin through a puncture wound, laceration, abrasion, burn, or other injury. Puncture wounds are excellent breeding grounds for the bacillus because they lack a good oxygen supply and the bacillus thrives in dead tissue, producing a powerful exotoxin that attacks the nervous system. The incubation period is 3-21 days, with the onset commonly occurring at about 8 days. Tetanus antitoxin immunizations followed by booster doses every 10 years create immunity.

Tetanus Toxoid Prophylaxis Is Important in Any Person Who Has