North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is recommended for keeping exposed organs warm during evisceration treatment?

1. Apply heat pads

2. Wrap in a dry cloth

3. Use most sterile saline

4. Cover with an ice pack

The correct answer is: Use most sterile saline

In the context of managing evisceration, the priority is to protect exposed organs and maintain their warmth to prevent hypothermia and further injury. Wrapping the exposed organs with moist sterile saline-soaked cloths serves this purpose effectively. Using moist saline helps to keep the tissues hydrated and protects them from desiccation. This method prevents damage to the delicate lining of the organs, which can occur if they are left exposed to air. The moisture also helps maintain a suitable temperature, preventing the organs from cooling down too quickly, which is crucial for the patient's survival and recovery. In contrast, applying heat pads could potentially cause burns or excessive heat that could damage sensitive tissues. Wrapping the organs in a dry cloth may not provide adequate moisture and can lead to drying out. Covering with an ice pack is counterproductive, as this would cause the exposed organs to cool down, increasing the risk of complications. Thus, using moist sterile saline to wrap the exposed organs is the recommended approach to keeping them warm and protected during treatment for evisceration.