Question

If a nurse finds that a patient’s abdominal wound has eviscerated, she should ________

(a) Administer antibiotics

(b) Position the patient sideways and call for help

(c) Attempt to drain the site

(d) Cover the site with saline-soaked sterile gauze

I have been asked this question in an international level competition.

This is a very interesting question from Pre and Post Operative Care topic in division Anaesthesia of Clinical Science

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) Cover the site with saline-soaked sterile gauze

Easiest explanation: When an abdominal wound eviscerates, the organs actually have shifted and come out. In such cases, emergency medicine must be applied first. Using a saline soaked sterile gauze will control any infection and keep the wound as clean and harmless as possible. Keeping the bandage well soaked will ensure that the bandage does not stick to the wound and is easily removable otherwise pulling the bandage off can cause other complications. The further procedures are taken care of by the doctors.