A retired contract administrator who enjoyed gardening sought medical attention for what appeared to be a sinus infection.He received antimicrobials but the conditioned worsened and he was experiencing severe painful spasms in his jaw.He admitted to injuring himself with a gardening tool while wearing sandals in the yard but did not seek medical attention for the wound.The man is likely experiencing
A)septic shock.
B)LPS-mediated inflammatory response.
C)intoxication caused by a focal C.tetani infection.
D)allergic rhinitis.
E)meningitis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including severe painful spasms in the jaw, are classic signs of tetanus infection. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil and dust, making it a potential hazard for gardeners. The injury the man sustained while gardening likely introduced the bacteria into his body, where it produced a potent toxin that causes spasms and muscular rigidity. This is not a case of septic shock or LPS-mediated inflammatory response, which would present with different symptoms. Allergic rhinitis and meningitis are also unlikely given the symptoms described.

A Retired Contract Administrator Who Enjoyed Gardening Sought Medical Attention