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Tetanus Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge of this horrible disease.

A multiple-choice quiz by Morrigan716. Estimated time: 3 mins.

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Author
Morrigan716

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
94,837

Updated
Sep 28 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2322

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw.

True

False

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is the pathogen that causes tetanus? Hint

Clostridium tetani

Toxoplasma gondii

Trypanosoma cruzi

Babesia microti

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is the normal incubation period for tetanus? Hint

12 to 31 days

3 to 21 days

2 to 3 weeks

1 to 5 weeks

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Question 4 of 10

4. How many U.S. cases of tetanus were reported in 1998? Hint

None

Over 500

About 100

Between 35 and 50

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Question 5 of 10

5. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat tetanus.

True

False

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Question 6 of 10

6. In the USA, how often should DT boosters (tetanus shots) be given? Hint

Every 5 years

Every 15 years

Every 3 years

Every 10 years

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Question 7 of 10

7. It is a myth that tetanus can be caused by stepping on a a rusty nail?

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. What part of the body does tetanus affect the most? Hint

Skin

Nerves and skeletal muscles

Teeth

Blood

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Question 9 of 10

9. Tetanus can be spread by an animal bite.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. Cleaning all wounds thoroughly can help to prevent tetanus.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw.

Answer: True

Characteristics of tetanus include painful muscular contractions, mainly of the muscle that closes the jaw and neck muscles, spasms, rigid paralysis, respiratory failure, and death may result.

2. What is the pathogen that causes tetanus?

Answer: Clostridium tetani

"Clostridium tetani" is a bacillus that produces a potent neurotoxin called tetanospasmin.

3. What is the normal incubation period for tetanus?

Answer: 3 to 21 days

The average is 10 days, but it can be shorter or longer.

4. How many U.S. cases of tetanus were reported in 1998?

Answer: Between 35 and 50

Tetanus lives in soil contaminated with human, horse, or other animal feces. The spores are introduced into a puncture wound, burn, or needle stick by contamination with soil, dust, or feces.

5. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat tetanus.

Answer: False

Dirty wounds should be cleaned and left uncovered, when possible to inhibit the anaerobic growth.

6. In the USA, how often should DT boosters (tetanus shots) be given?

Answer: Every 10 years

It should be given at 10-year intervals and after a wound or accident with no booster for five years. All children should be immunized with DTP, a combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine.

7. It is a myth that tetanus can be caused by stepping on a a rusty nail?

Answer: False

Tetanus can be spread by any dirty object, especially one found outdoors or in contact with dust or soil. The nail need not be rusty, though - a new nail contaminated with tetanus is just as dangerous.

8. What part of the body does tetanus affect the most?

Answer: Nerves and skeletal muscles

Tetanus is a bacterial nervous system infection.

9. Tetanus can be spread by an animal bite.

Answer: True

If bitten by an animal, you should contact your doctor immediately, especially if you have not had a tetanus shot within the last ten years.

10. Cleaning all wounds thoroughly can help to prevent tetanus.

Answer: True

Although the best way to protect yourself from tetanus is booster shots, keeping a wound clean can also help considerably.

Source: Author Morrigan716

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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