Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Tetanus

What Went Wrong?

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by the Clostridium tetanibacteria when

the bacteria enters the body through an opening in the skin, causing muscles

to tighten and become rigid especially in the mouth, making it difficult to

breath and swallow. The incubation period can be up to 14 days before symp-

toms appear. The child should receive immunization to tetanus as part of the

DTaP vaccination beginning at 2 months of age.

Nursing alert The patient is alert and has full mental capacity while infected.

Signs and Symptoms

Lockjaw

Stiff neck

Facial muscle spasms

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Low-grade fever

Sweating

Sensitivity to external stimulation

Test Results

Serum: Normal

Nursing alert Diagnosis is based on symptoms and history and by ruling out

neurologic disorders.

(^310) Pediatric Nursing Demystified

2. A mother mentioned to you in passing that her daughter’s best friend frequently goes
   into a coughing spasm and makes this strange sound after each cough. She thinks it
   must be allergies because nothing is coughed up. What is your best response?
   a. Has your daughter been vaccinated for whooping cough?
   b. Has your daughter’s friend been vaccinated for whooping cough?
   c. Have you been vaccinated for whooping cough?
   d. Does your daughter have allergies?

Answer: