Tetanus Management: A Case Report

Abstract

Tetanus is a health problem that occurs throughout the world, especially in developing countries, which can be prevented by immunization. Tetanus is an acute toxemia disease characterized by symptoms of severe and periodic muscle spasms and is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The first step in diagnosing a tetanus patient is to take a complete history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A case report of an 80-year-old man came to the emergency room at Abdul Moeloek Hospital in Lampung Province with complaints of stiffness and tension in his hands, mouth, neck and back since 4 days before entering the hospital. Stiffness begins in the mouth that is difficult to open, followed by a feeling of stiffness in the hands, neck and back. Seven days before the complaint appeared, the patient was injured by a sharp object on the palm of his right hand while cleaning the pool and the wound had not been treated properly. Vital signs 122/72, pulse 66, respiration 20, temperature 36.7⁰C. Physical examination found trismus, stiff neck, opisthotonos. The patient is treated in an isolation room and receives adequate care.