A critical element in the treatment of the patient with tetanus is:
A) To begin broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
B) To begin narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy, aimed at gram-positive skin flora
C) To get vaccinated if his or her routine vaccinations for wound infection are not up to date
D) To monitor oneself for fever, and call his or her health care provider if fever (100.5°F or above) occurs in the days following treatment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tetanus is a disease caused by the elaboration of toxin by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani in deep lacerations and wounds, especially those that have been contaminated by soil or rusty implements. It can be prevented with administration of tetanus toxoid, usually administered with diphtheria (Td) and/or acellular pertussis (TdaP).

A Critical Element in the Treatment of the Patient with Tetanus