In the management of lacerations, what is an important vaccination consideration?

• A. Tetanus status is irrelevant
• B. Consider tetanus status and update as needed
• C. Only administer tetanus shot if the wound is dirty
• D. Tetanus status must be ignored in field treatment

Answer: (B)

Tetanus protection is a key part of managing any laceration. Clostridium tetani can enter through a break in the skin, and vaccination keeps you from developing a potentially life-threatening infection. That means you should check the patient’s tetanus immunization history for every wound and update it as needed. If the last dose was more than 10 years ago for a clean, minor wound, or more than 5 years ago for a dirty or contaminated wound, a tetanus booster is indicated. If vaccination history is unknown or never completed, provide tetanus-containing vaccine and follow the appropriate schedule. In practice, this approach protects athletes from tetanus and is required regardless of how the wound occurred.