Nursing Assessment for Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious disease which is caused when bacteria (Clostridium tetani) enter the body and cause an infection. The bacteria release a toxin which affects the nervous system and can cause a person to suffer muscle spasms and stiffness, increased heart rate, fever and sweating, breathing difficulties, and even death. Tetanus-causing bacteria can be found nearly everywhere in the environment, and can sustain heat levels and chemicals that would destroy many other types of bacteria.

In many parts of the world, vaccination against tetanus is a common practice. It is not a one-time vaccine, though, and requires multiple dosages while the patient is young and booster shots on a set schedule throughout the person's life. In the U.S., most children receive their first dose of vaccine around 2 months of age. This means that they may be at risk for contracting a serious tetanus infection soon after birth.

In fact, using unsterilized tools to tie off the umbilical cord after a child is born is one of the leading causes of tetanus around the world. As newborns are very susceptible to disease in general, adding a tetanus infection the stresses on their fragile bodies can be devastating. Neonatal tetanus affects about 500,000 newborn babies around the world every year, and the fatality rate is around 95% if it goes untreated. Even with treatment, it takes the life of over a quarter of its young victims.

The population at risk for contracting tetanus in medical environments extends beyond babies, though. If a person's vaccination is not properly maintained, many procedures have the possibility of causing an infection if tools are not properly sanitized. A simple IV or injection can open the door for harmful bacteria. Obviously, surgical incisions also create an open door for infection. It is extremely important for doctors to uphold high standards for sterilization and cleaning of equipment.

Nursing Assessment for Tetanus

Nursing Assessment for Tetanus

General

History of present illness: the existence of serious injuries and burns and inadequate immunization.

Specific

  • Respiratory System: dyspnea, and cyanosis asphyxia due to contraction of the respiratory bibs.
  • Cardiovascular System: dysrhythmias, tachycardia, hypertension and bleeding, the body temperature initially 38-40 ° C or febrile up to the terminal 43-44 ° C.
  • Neurologic System: irritability (early), weakness, convulsions (late), paralysis of one or several nerves of the brain.
  • Urinary System : urine retention (bladder distention and no urine output / oliguria)
  • Digestive System: constipation due to no bowel movements.
  • Integument and muskuloskletal System: tingling at the site of wound pain, sweating (hyper-hydration), was originally preceded trismus, spasm of the facial muscle contractions to increase the eyebrows, risus sardonicus, stiff muscles and difficulty swallowing.
  • If this continues there will be a status of general convulsions and seizures.

Nursing Assessment for Tetanus

Nursing Diagnosis for Tetanus

0 Komentar untuk "Nursing Assessment for Tetanus"

Labels

Back To Top