After discovering that a postoperative client9s wound has eviscerated, which action should be performed first?

After discovering that a postoperative client9s wound has eviscerated, which action should be performed first?

• A. Cover the incision with a moist sterile dressing
• B. Have the client lie on his back with his knees flexed
• C. Call the client9s surgeon
• D. Reassure the client

Answer: (A)

When wound evisceration occurs, the first priority is to protect the exposed internal organs. Cover the viscera with a moist sterile dressing (saline-soaked gauze) to keep the tissue moist, prevent drying, and reduce the risk of contamination. Do not try to push the organs back inside. After protecting the tissues, promptly notify the surgeon for urgent intervention and position the patient to minimize abdominal pressure (for example, with the knees flexed to relax the abdomen). Reassurance alone doesn’t address the immediate physical risk.

When wound evisceration occurs, the first priority is to protect the exposed internal organs. Cover the viscera with a moist sterile dressing (saline-soaked gauze) to keep the tissue moist, prevent drying, and reduce the risk of contamination. Do not try to push the organs back inside. After protecting the tissues, promptly notify the surgeon for urgent intervention and position the patient to minimize abdominal pressure (for example, with the knees flexed to relax the abdomen). Reassurance alone doesn’t address the immediate physical risk.