Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

A young male has an open abdominal wound through which a small loop of bowel is protruding. There is minimal bleeding. The BEST way to treat his injury is to:

1. Apply a sterile trauma dressing moistened with sterile saline directly to the wound and secure the moist dressing in place with a dry sterile dressing

2. Apply dry sterile gauze pads to the wound and then keep them continuously moist by pouring sterile saline or water on them throughout transport

3. Cover the wound with a dry sterile trauma dressing and tightly secure it in place by circumferentially wrapping roller gauze around the abdomen

4. Gently clean the exposed loop of bowel with warm sterile saline, carefully replace it back into the wound, and cover it with a dry sterile dressing

The correct answer is: Apply a sterile trauma dressing moistened with sterile saline directly to the wound and secure the moist dressing in place with a dry sterile dressing

In this scenario, the correct answer is to apply a sterile trauma dressing moistened with sterile saline directly to the wound and secure it in place with a dry sterile dressing. This is the best course of action because covering the exposed bowel with a moist dressing helps to prevent it from drying out and becoming damaged. Additionally, securing the moist dressing in place with a dry sterile dressing helps to maintain a clean and moist environment for the exposed bowel, which is crucial for reducing the risk of infection and further damage. Option B is incorrect because continuously pouring sterile saline or water on the gauze pads throughout transport can lead to hypothermia and is not the recommended approach for managing an open abdominal wound with exposed bowel. Option C is incorrect because circumferentially wrapping roller gauze tightly around the abdomen can increase the risk of compartment syndrome and impede circulation. It is important to secure the dressing in place without applying excessive pressure. Option D is incorrect because attempting to clean the exposed loop of bowel and replace it back into the wound without medical expertise can lead to further injury and contamination. It is essential to leave the bowel in place and cover it with a moistened sterile dressing.