Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

How should abdominal eviscerations be treated?

1. With a dry dressing

2. With a moist, sterile, fiber-free occlusive dressing

3. With ice packs to reduce swelling

4. With pressure bandages to stop bleeding

The correct answer is: With a moist, sterile, fiber-free occlusive dressing

When treating abdominal eviscerations, the primary goal is to protect the exposed organs and prevent further injury or contamination. Using a moist, sterile, fiber-free occlusive dressing is the correct approach because it helps to keep the exposed organs hydrated, thereby minimizing the risk of tissue damage and infection. The moisture prevents the tissue from drying out and maintains its viability. An occlusive dressing provides a barrier against contaminants and helps reduce the risk of infection, which is crucial for the healing process. This method is supported by emergency medical guidelines, which emphasize the importance of using sterile materials to avoid introducing pathogens into the abdominal cavity. The use of a moist dressing also allows for the avoidance of further physical trauma to the exposed organs. In contrast, applying a dry dressing would not provide the necessary moisture that the eviscerated organs need, potentially leading to complications. Ice packs and pressure bandages are not appropriate for abdominal eviscerations; ice can cause tissue damage by constricting blood vessels and leading to frostbite, and pressure bandages are primarily utilized for controlling bleeding rather than protecting exposed organs.