Final answer:
The main goals in treating tetanus are maintaining homeostasis and neutralizing bacterial toxins with treatments such as respiratory support, antibiotics, and antitoxin administration. The Correct Answer is bacterial toxins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main goals in treating tetanus are maintenance of patient homeostasis, often through respiratory support, and neutralization of the bacterial toxins. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a potent toxin known as tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT).
Treatment includes providing respiratory support such as assisted breathing with a ventilator, wound debridement, ensuring fluid balance, and administering antibiotics like metronidazole or penicillin to inhibit the growth of C. tetani. In addition, patients receive TeNT antitoxin, such as human immunoglobulin, to neutralize nonfixed toxin and benzodiazepines to increase the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA for muscle relaxation and anxiety relief.