Paedintermediate
Describe four characteristic clinical features of tetanus from the material.
Answer
Features include trismus, risus sardonicus, opisthotonos, board-like abdominal rigidity, painful generalized muscle spasms, drooling, and uncontrolled urination or defecation. Any four appropriately described features earn full credit.
Explanation
A strong response identifies characteristic manifestations rather than nonspecific illness alone. The slides include lockjaw, risus sardonicus, opisthotonos, board-like abdomen, painful generalized spasms, drooling, and involuntary urination or defecation. **Key takeaway:** Tetanus produces a recognizable pattern of rigidity and spasms, often with associated autonomic or bodily effects.\n\n**Glossary:** **Risus sardonicus**: a fixed, grimacing facial expression; **opisthotonos**: pronounced backward arching of the body.
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