Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

After 5.5 years since her last Td booster, what should be done for Clara regarding her laceration?

1. A) Administer a booster dose of the Td vaccine

2. B) Administer the Td vaccine and Td immunoglobulin

3. C) Administer Td immunoglobulin only

4. D) No further action needed

The correct answer is: A) Administer a booster dose of the Td vaccine

In this situation, administering a booster dose of the Td vaccine is the appropriate course of action for Clara's laceration. The Td vaccine helps protect against Tetanus and Diphtheria. According to guidelines, adults should receive a Td booster every 10 years. However, if an individual has sustained a puncture wound, laceration, or any injury that could be contaminated, the timing of the last booster becomes crucial. Since Clara is 5.5 years past her last Td booster, she is due for her vaccination, especially because her injury may elevate her risk for Tetanus if she's not adequately vaccinated. When considering the medical history of any potential immunocompromising conditions or the nature of the wound, a Td booster at this time will ensure that Clara's tetanus immunity is up to date. Other options, such as administering Td immunoglobulin, are typically reserved for situations where a person has not been vaccinated within the relevant timeframe for significant injuries or if there is a high risk of tetanus infection due to a deep or contaminated wound. In Clara's case, since she has received her last Td shot not too long ago and it's simply a regimen update, a single booster dose of Td vaccine suffices.