Tetanus Case Study
Tetanus
General Information
Tetanus is a disease caused by bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that release a powerful poison (toxin) that spreads throughout the body, seriously disrupting nervous system function. The main signs of the disease are stiffness or rigidity of the limbs, an abnormal sensitivity to touch, and muscle spasms. Spasms of the jaw muscles are the reason the condition is often called “lock jaw.”
Soil and human and animal waste are common sources of the bacteria, and infection most commonly is caused by contamination of a body wound. Usually, 4 to 20 days elapse (incubation time) between the time the bacteria enter the body and the early signs of illness.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Tetanus is a severe life-threatening disease and hospitalization is …show more content…
Water: Provide fresh drinking water at all times. Notify the doctor if your pet is not drinking normally.
5. Activity: Follow the instructions checked. ¬¬____ Allow normal activity. ____ Restrict exercise as follows:__________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
6. Special instructions:____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
• You are unable to administer any treatment.
• Your pet seems to be worsening.
• Your pet seems to have trouble
General Information
Tetanus is a disease caused by bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that release a powerful poison (toxin) that spreads throughout the body, seriously disrupting nervous system function. The main signs of the disease are stiffness or rigidity of the limbs, an abnormal sensitivity to touch, and muscle spasms. Spasms of the jaw muscles are the reason the condition is often called “lock jaw.”
Soil and human and animal waste are common sources of the bacteria, and infection most commonly is caused by contamination of a body wound. Usually, 4 to 20 days elapse (incubation time) between the time the bacteria enter the body and the early signs of illness.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Tetanus is a severe life-threatening disease and hospitalization is …show more content…
Water: Provide fresh drinking water at all times. Notify the doctor if your pet is not drinking normally.
5. Activity: Follow the instructions checked. ¬¬____ Allow normal activity. ____ Restrict exercise as follows:__________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
6. Special instructions:____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
• You are unable to administer any treatment.
• Your pet seems to be worsening.
• Your pet seems to have trouble