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In the treatment of evisceration, what should you NOT do with the exposed organs?

  1. Wrap with sterile saline

  2. Keep warm

  3. Use an occlusive dressing

  4. Replace the organs

The correct answer is: Replace the organs

In the treatment of evisceration, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the patient. When organs have been eviscerated, they are exposed outside of the body, which puts them at risk for contamination and injury. The correct choice is to avoid replacing the organs. This is because attempting to place the organs back into the abdominal cavity can cause further damage, increase the risk of infection, and may not be feasible due to the anatomy or condition of the organs. Instead, the focus should be on protecting the exposed organs and ensuring the patient's stability until advanced medical care can be provided. The other options are standard practices for managing evisceration. Wrapping the exposed organs with sterile saline helps to keep them moist, which is critical to preserving their function. Keeping the organs warm can help prevent hypothermia and support metabolism, while using an occlusive dressing protects the tissues from air and contaminants. All these measures are aimed at patient stabilization until surgical intervention can occur.