Question

The nursing instructor is talking with their students about botulism. The instructor tells the students that when caring for a client with botulism what condition is most likely to cause death?

Answer 1

The condition which is most likely to cause death of a botulism patient is Respiratory failure.

Explanation:

The causal organism of Botulism is the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

It is usually found in canned food and causes a very severe food poisoning.

The bacteria release botulinum toxin on reaching the intestine of the person and from their the toxins are absorbed into the blood.

Botulism mainly effects the neuromuscular system of the body. .

The basic symptoms of botulism is characterised by weaknes in limbs , jaws and eyes.

A decreased muscular activity sometimes causes constipation due to slowed down peristalsis.

Sometimes nausea , vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

If left untreated and in severe cases, the toxins may proceed to effect the respiratory muscle thus hindering the proper breathing and gaseous exchange.

A further damage could result in the respiratory failure.