Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What vaccine is recommended for a patient who stepped on a nail and last received a tetanus vaccine 7 years ago?

1. DTaP

2. DT

3. Td

4. Tdap

The correct answer is: Tdap

In the scenario described, the patient has stepped on a nail and last received a tetanus vaccine 7 years ago. The appropriate vaccine recommendation in this case is Tdap. Tdap is a combined vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. For adults and adolescents who are at least 11 years old, Tdap is preferred for a booster dose, especially after a potential exposure to tetanus, which can occur from injuries like stepping on a nail. The recommendation is typically to receive Tdap for the first booster in adulthood, primarily due to the added benefit of pertussis protection. In the context of tetanus exposure, if the patient has not had a tetanus booster in the past 10 years, receiving Tdap is advisable, as it encourages immunity against several diseases while addressing the immediate concern of tetanus prevention. Since the last tetanus-focused vaccine received was 7 years ago, Tdap can renew protection and is in line with the current immunization guidelines for adults. The other vaccines listed do not align with this patient scenario. DTaP is primarily for children under 7, DT is an older vaccine option primarily for children who can't receive pertussis, and Td is