The nurse is caring for a patient with a puncture wound.
How much time must have passed since the patient’s last tetanus toxoid vaccination for the patient to require an additional injection before being discharged from the emergency department?
10 years
1 year
5 years
2 years
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale:
Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores are found everywhere in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, intestinal tracts/feces of animals and humans, and on the surfaces of skin and rusty tools like nails, needles, barbed wire, etc. Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunized with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines.
To ensure that there is adequate antitoxin to neutralize tetanus toxin in the case of a tetanus-prone injury, a booster dose is advised if it has been longer than 10 years since the last tetanus vaccine dose. This is because a single dose of tetanus toxoid produces a rapid anamnestic response. Therefore, if a patient with a puncture wound has not received a tetanus toxoid vaccination in the last 10 years, they would require an additional injection before being discharged from the emergency department.
Choice B rationale:
While it might seem prudent to administer a tetanus toxoid vaccination every year, this is not necessary according to current medical guidelines. Over-vaccination could potentially lead to an increased risk of adverse reactions without providing additional benefits. Therefore, a tetanus toxoid vaccination is not required every year.
Choice C rationale:
A 5-year interval for tetanus toxoid vaccination is not the standard recommendation for general population. However, in some specific cases, such as when indicated for wound management, a tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine might be administered if ≥5 years have elapsed since the previous receipt of any tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine.
Choice D rationale:
A 2-year interval for tetanus toxoid vaccination is not the standard recommendation. The tetanus toxoid vaccination provides protection for a much longer period, and therefore, it is not necessary to administer the vaccine every 2 years.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Secondary erythema refers to redness that develops after the initial injury or insult. It's not the most accurate term to describe an area that doesn't blanch, as blanching specifically assesses for the presence of blood in the tissue. Secondary erythema can be blanchable or nonblanchable, depending on the underlying cause.
Choice C rationale:
Blanchable hyperemia is a reddening of the skin that blanches (turns lighter) when pressed. This indicates that blood is still flowing to the area and that the tissue is not damaged. It's not the correct term for an area that doesn't blanch.
Choice D rationale:
Reactive hyperemia is a temporary increase in blood flow to an area that has been deprived of blood flow. It's often seen after pressure is relieved from a body part. While reactive hyperemia can cause redness, this redness typically blanches when pressed.
Choice B rationale:
Nonblanchable erythema is the most accurate term to describe an area of redness that does not turn lighter in color when pressed with a finger. This indicates that blood is not flowing to the area and that the tissue is likely damaged. Nonblanchable erythema is a significant finding because it can be a sign of a pressure injury (also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer).
Key points about nonblanchable erythema:
It's a sign of impaired blood flow to the tissue. It's a potential indicator of a pressure injury.
It requires prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further tissue damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Irrigating with sterile saline before swabbing can dilute the wound specimen and reduce the accuracy of the culture results. This is because the saline can wash away some of the bacteria that are present in the wound, making it more difficult to identify the specific bacteria that are causing the infection.
Additionally, swabbing the center of the wound may not collect a representative sample of the bacteria present, as bacteria can often be found in higher concentrations at the edges of the wound. This is because the edges of the wound are often where the tissue is most damaged and where the bacteria are able to enter the body more easily.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a sample of the drainage from the dressing on the wound may not be as accurate as collecting a sample directly from the wound. This is because the drainage may contain bacteria from the surrounding skin or environment, which could contaminate the culture results.
Additionally, the drainage may not contain a representative sample of the bacteria present in the wound, as some bacteria may not be able to drain out of the wound.
Choice D rationale:
Collecting a tissue sample from the wound during a surgical procedure is the most accurate way to obtain a culture. However, this is not always feasible or necessary.
It is often possible to obtain an accurate culture by collecting a sample from the wound using a sterile swab. This is a less invasive procedure and can be done at the bedside.
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