Explain why a booster tetanus injection was given to Vivienne. (2 Marks)
The booster tetanus injection was given to Vivienne as a prevention measure to make sure she does not develop tetanus. It is a very serious disease, which can be life threatening and if left without attention might lead to a lethal outcome. This condition is caused by bacteria, which can be found in manure, soil, and dust. This way, as Vivienne was exposed to manure before she got the cut, it is clear that the booster tetanus injection was simply necessary in this case.
The microorganism enters the organism of a human being through the damaged skin with cuts, puncture wounds, pinpricks, burns, and other injuries (Wassilak, Kretsinger, 2009). When the bacteria is introduced to an individual, vegetative cells are releasing toxins known as tetanospasm toxins that make muscles spasm uncontrollably, causing seizures.
Describe the physiological basis of any three of her wound observations. Relate your response to the case study. (6 Marks)
What Vivienne is experiencing with her general state as well as her local wound condition is generally referred to inflammation. Inflammation is a typical process that occurs as a response to injuries and introduction of foreign environment into the body of a living organism. There are certain characteristic features of inflammation, which almost always occur indicating the distinctiveness of this occurence, which include the processes of redness, swelling, heat, and pain (Wild, Rahbarnia, Kellner, Sobotka, Eberlein, 2010; Young). Sometimes decrease of function is also mentioned in this list, however, in Vivienne’s case it is not necessary to pay attention to such inflammation manifestation.
The physiological basis for this reaction is vasodilation, enhanced vascular permeability, and emigration of white blood cells. This way, due to increased vascular perfusion relaxation of the smooth muscle that is around the terminal arterioles occurs and leads to elevated flow of blood to the wound. As more red blood cells pass through the tissue redness is caused as well as warmth, because blood is able to carry the heat from the core of the body to cooler parts of it (Young; Wild, Rahbarnia, Kellner, Sobotka, Eberlein, 2010). Swelling, on the other hand, occurs due to increase in vascular permeability and, therefore, the build up of the fluid, which results in oedema and can be observed as puffiness.
Explain how Vivienne’s fever developed and state two benefits of fever (3 Marks)
Fever is a classic reaction of an organism that occurs due to introduction of foreign antigens into the organism of a human being. In Vivienne’s case this developed due to the booster tetanus injection, which was given to provide immunity and make the body produce antibodies for protection. Vaccine creates an impression of infection, however, the dose makes it possible for the antibodies to fight back successfully and create immunity for it in the future (Launey, Nesseler, Malledant, Seguin, 2011; Young; NDRI).
Elevated temperature is considered a sign of organism fighting with infection or sickness. It is good because ferments are able to perform required functions faster and, thus, …