Which of the following steps is appropriate immediately after a patient presents with evisceration?

• A. Cover with sterile gauze soaked in sterile saline over the exposed tissues
• B. Apply dry dressing
• C. Use sterile gloves to rub area
• D. Massage area

Answer: (A)

When tissue is exposed (evisceration), the immediate priority is to protect it from drying out and from infection. The best first step is to cover the exposed tissues with a sterile gauze pad that has been moistened with sterile saline. Keeping the tissues moist helps preserve viability, reduces heat loss, and provides a barrier against contamination until surgical care can be provided. Avoid dry dressings, which can dry and adhere to tissue; and never rub, massage, or attempt to push organs back inside. In addition, keep the patient flat, with knees bent if possible to lessen abdominal strain, and call for urgent surgical help while continuing careful, sterile protection of the area.