Question

Ernie has a new job, working on a construction site, where there are many nails and other objects cluttered on the ground. He meant to go to Marks Work Wearhouse and find a good pair of work boots, but hasn't had time, so is wearing his old Nikes. • On the way off site to get some lunch, he accidently steps on a board that has a large nail sticking up out of it. The patient: • he steps on this nail which goes straight through is shoe into his foot • the bleeding causes him to go the medi-centre where they clean up the wound and dress it • they also ask him about his immunization background. He has none - his parents were always suspicious of government programs and doctors so they didn't vaccinate Ernie or anyone else in the family.

At the clinic they give him TIG and Tetanus toxoid, using different arms. Why is it important that they do not inject TIG and Tetanus Vaccine in the same arm?
A. His arm would get too sore if they injected both medications into it
B. He could end up getting tetanus localized to his arm
C. The TIG could neutralize the toxoid
D. No reason, just protocol

Answer 1

TIG and Tetanus toxoid are injected into different arms to prevent neutralization of the vaccine, as TIG contains antibodies that could bind to the antigens in the toxoid vaccine, reducing its efficacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important that TIG (Tetanus Immune Globulin) and Tetanus toxoid are injected into different arms to prevent the TIG from potentially neutralizing the effect of the Tetanus toxoid. TIG provides immediate passive immunity by supplying ready-made antibodies, while the Tetanus toxoid vaccine stimulates the patient's immune system to produce its own antibodies for long-term protection. If administered in the same arm, the concentrated antibodies in TIG could bind to the antigens in the toxoid vaccine before the patient's immune system has a chance to respond, making the vaccine less effective.