Your patient is an 18-year-old man who was slashed across the abdomen with a machete. He has a mass of omentum and small bowel protruding from the wound. Which of the following is your primary concern with this patient?
A) Immediately covering the wound with an occlusive dressing, using your gloved hand if nothing else is available
B) Irrigating the exposed organs with sterile saline to remove debris and gently tucking them back into the opening to keep them warm and moist and to prevent further contamination
C) Covering the wound with a sterile, saline-moistened dressing covered by an occlusive dressing
D) Having the patient hold the omentum and placing him on the stretcher in a position of comfort to transport rapidly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Covering the wound with a sterile, saline-moistened dressing followed by an occlusive dressing is crucial to prevent infection and further contamination, while also maintaining the moisture of the exposed tissues. Immediate irrigation or repositioning of organs without proper sterile technique can introduce infection and cause further harm. Rapid transport to a medical facility for surgical intervention is necessary, but ensuring the wound is properly managed en route is a primary concern.

Your Patient Is an 18-Year-Old Man Who Was Slashed Across