A nurse is caring for a client with tetanus who experiences muscle spasms triggered by stimuli. Which complication should the nurse be vigilant for in this client?

Renal impairment.

Cardiac arrhythmias.

Aspiration pneumonia.

Diaphoresis (sweating)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should be vigilant for renal impairment in clients with tetanus. However, muscle spasms triggered by stimuli do not directly indicate renal impairment. The client's renal function should be monitored due to the potential side effects of medications and prolonged immobilization.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "Cardiac arrhythmias" is correct. Muscle spasms triggered by stimuli in tetanus can cause severe and prolonged muscle contractions, which may lead to autonomic instability, including cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring the client's cardiac function is essential to detect and manage any arrhythmias that may arise.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should be vigilant for aspiration pneumonia in clients with tetanus. However, muscle spasms triggered by stimuli do not directly indicate the development of aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia can occur due to impaired swallowing and a risk of aspiration during muscle spasms.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "Diaphoresis (sweating)" is not directly associated with muscle spasms triggered by stimuli in tetanus. Diaphoresis may occur in response to fever or autonomic dysfunction but is not a primary concern related to the muscle spasms.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system (CNS) GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity, leading to sedation and muscle relaxation. By enhancing GABA's effects, benzodiazepines help relieve muscle spasms in clients with tetanus.

Choice B rationale:

Blocking the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions is not the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines. This statement is incorrect.

Choice C rationale:

Inhibiting the action of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain is not the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines. They primarily enhance the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA.

Choice D rationale:

Stimulating the production of dopamine in the spinal cord is not a mechanism of action for benzodiazepines. This statement is inaccurate.

Chickenpox/Shingles.

A. "I should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.” B. "The antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing the disease.” C. "Antibiotics will help neutralize the toxin in my blood.” D. "Penicillin G has a broader spectrum of activity than metronidazole.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The statement "I should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed" is correct. Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential to ensure that all the bacteria causing the infection are eradicated. Stopping antibiotics prematurely may lead to antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "The antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing the disease" is correct. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria responsible for causing the infection, including tetanus. This is essential in controlling the spread and severity of the disease.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "Antibiotics will help neutralize the toxin in my blood" is incorrect. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but do not neutralize the toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria. To manage the symptoms of tetanus, other supportive treatments like tetanus antitoxin and muscle relaxants are used to counteract the toxin's effects.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "Penicillin G has a broader spectrum of activity than metronidazole" is irrelevant to the client's tetanus treatment. While it is true that different antibiotics have different spectrums of activity, this information is not relevant to the client's current condition or treatment.

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A nurse is caring for a client with tetanus who experiences muscle spasms triggered by stimuli. Which complication should the nurse be vigilant for in this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(ATI/HESI from external source): A client with tetanus is receiving benzodiazepines for muscle spasms. The nurse knows that benzodiazepines act by:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with tetanus is receiving antibiotic therapy. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further education?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client has a puncture wound caused by a rusty nail. The nurse understands that which of the following should be initiated to prevent tetanus?

A client arrives at the emergency department with symptoms of muscle contractions and rigidity in the jaw, neck, back, and abdominal muscles. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate for managing this client's condition? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a wound contaminated with soil and feces. The nurse understands that this patient is at risk of developing which condition?

A nurse is caring for a patient who sustained a puncture wound from a dirty nail. Which microorganism is responsible for tetanus?

A nurse is teaching a community health class about tetanus transmission. Which statement by a participant indicates a correct understanding of the disease transmission?

Which of the following statements about tetanus is accurate?

A nurse is caring for a client with tetanus who experiences muscle spasms triggered by stimuli. Which complication should the nurse be vigilant for in this client?

A client has been diagnosed with generalized tetanus. Which nursing interventions should the nurse prioritize to manage the client's condition effectively? Select all that apply.