Question 10 QMED04 - Boiler Technician-Watertender

The Correct Answer is B. ### Why Option B (Puncture) is Correct: Tetanus is caused by the bacterium *Clostridium tetani*, which produces spores that are ubiquitous in the environment (especially in soil, dust, and animal feces). These bacteria are **anaerobic**, meaning they thrive and reproduce only in the absence of oxygen. A **puncture wound** (e.g., stepping on a rusty nail, a deep bite, or an injury from a sharp object) is particularly susceptible because: 1. **Depth:** It penetrates deep into the tissue. 2. **Narrow Opening:** The small entry hole seals quickly. 3. **Low Oxygen Environment:** The combination of depth and a sealed opening creates an ideal, low-oxygen (anaerobic) environment necessary for *C. tetani* spores to germinate, multiply, and release the tetanus toxin. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: **A) Incision:** An incision (a neat cut, often made by a clean object like a scalpel or sharp knife) typically involves wide-open edges and is generally superficial or easily accessible for cleaning. This exposure to air maintains an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment, which inhibits the growth of the anaerobic *C. tetani* bacteria. **C) Abrasion:** An abrasion (a scrape) is a superficial wound that removes the top layer of skin. While it can introduce bacteria, it is typically shallow, open, and bleeds freely. This extensive exposure to oxygen makes it a poor environment for anaerobic bacteria like *C. tetani* to proliferate. **D) Laceration:** A laceration is a jagged, irregular tear of the tissue. Although lacerations can be deep and dirty, they usually have wide, open edges compared to a puncture. This often allows better circulation and oxygenation into the wound area, making them less ideal for anaerobic bacterial growth than a deep, closed puncture wound.