Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the appropriate management for an abdominal evisceration?

1. Applying a tourniquet

2. Covering with ice and securing with a bandage

3. Covering with a moist, sterile dressing

4. Leaving the organs exposed to air

The correct answer is: Covering with a moist, sterile dressing

In the case of abdominal evisceration, the primary goal is to protect the exposed organs and prevent additional injury or contamination. Covering the eviscerated organs with a moist, sterile dressing is the most appropriate management technique. This method helps maintain moisture in the tissues, which is crucial for their viability, while also acting as a barrier to prevent infection. Using a moist, sterile dressing can help to keep the organs warm, reduce the risk of dessication, and allow for better conditions during transport to a medical facility. Adequate moisture is necessary to protect the exposed tissues until surgical intervention can be performed. In contrast, applying a tourniquet is not applicable for this type of injury, as it is meant for managing life-threatening extremity hemorrhages rather than abdominal injuries. Covering the area with ice is inappropriate as well; while ice can reduce swelling, it may cause harm to the exposed organs, leading to further tissue damage, and freezing them is undesirable. Leaving the organs exposed to air is highly dangerous as it significantly increases the risk of infection and environmental damage to the organs and tissues. The chosen management technique is vital for improving patient outcomes in cases of abdominal evisceration.