In tetanus, what measure may be used to facilitate endotracheal intubation?

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Multiple Choice

In tetanus, what measure may be used to facilitate endotracheal intubation?

In tetanus, severe jaw clamping (trismus) and overall muscle rigidity make endotracheal intubation very difficult or impossible unless the airway is relaxed. Paralyzing agents (neuromuscular blockers) produce rapid, profound relaxation of the jaw and other skeletal muscles, allowing adequate mouth opening and a clear laryngoscopic view for successful intubation. Sedation alone can help with comfort but won’t reliably relax the jaw or abolish the trismus, and antibiotics or steroids don’t directly facilitate the airway procedure. So using a paralyzing agent to relax the jaw provides the best chance for safe, prompt intubation.

In tetanus, severe jaw clamping (trismus) and overall muscle rigidity make endotracheal intubation very difficult or impossible unless the airway is relaxed. Paralyzing agents (neuromuscular blockers) produce rapid, profound relaxation of the jaw and other skeletal muscles, allowing adequate mouth opening and a clear laryngoscopic view for successful intubation. Sedation alone can help with comfort but won’t reliably relax the jaw or abolish the trismus, and antibiotics or steroids don’t directly facilitate the airway procedure. So using a paralyzing agent to relax the jaw provides the best chance for safe, prompt intubation.

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