In the management of evisceration, what is the recommended dressing approach for protruding tissue?

In the management of evisceration, what is the recommended dressing approach for protruding tissue?

• A. Replace or move the tissue with gloved hands
• B. Apply a dry sterile dressing directly over tissue
• C. Cover protruding tissue with a moist sterile dressing and then a dry sterile dressing
• D. Pack tissue with gauze and refrigerate

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to protect exposed tissue by keeping it moist and sterile while preventing contamination, rather than manipulating it or drying it out. In an evisceration, tissue should be covered with a sterile dressing that’s moistened with normal saline to prevent desiccation, then a dry sterile dressing placed on top to act as a barrier and absorb moisture. This two-layer approach preserves tissue viability and reduces infection risk until surgical care can be provided. Pushing or replacing the tissue with gloved hands can cause injury and contamination; applying a dry dressing directly over exposed tissue can dry it out; refrigerating or packing then refrigerating isn’t appropriate and can worsen damage. Keep the patient warm and seek urgent medical attention.

The main idea is to protect exposed tissue by keeping it moist and sterile while preventing contamination, rather than manipulating it or drying it out. In an evisceration, tissue should be covered with a sterile dressing that’s moistened with normal saline to prevent desiccation, then a dry sterile dressing placed on top to act as a barrier and absorb moisture. This two-layer approach preserves tissue viability and reduces infection risk until surgical care can be provided. Pushing or replacing the tissue with gloved hands can cause injury and contamination; applying a dry dressing directly over exposed tissue can dry it out; refrigerating or packing then refrigerating isn’t appropriate and can worsen damage. Keep the patient warm and seek urgent medical attention.