Final answer:
An adult patient should receive the Tdap vaccine followed by Td boosters every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria, with Tdap being the initial vaccination and Td for subsequent boosters.
Correct option is C
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate tetanus injection for adult patients is Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) initially, followed by Td (tetanus and diphtheria) boosters every 10 years. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, all serious diseases caused by bacteria. After an adult patient receives Tdap, the Td booster is recommended to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria infections over time. It is essential to keep up with vaccinations as tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms, potentially leading to a condition called opisthotonos where patients exhibit extreme arching of the back.
It is important to note that active vaccination is more effective for diseases like pertussis than antibiotic therapy, as mentioned in the context of the newer DTaP and Tdap vaccines which include a pertussis toxoid. Moreover, in the case of tetanus, patients may require extensive treatments, including assisted breathing and muscle relaxation, emphasizing the importance of prophylactic vaccination.