Which term describes an open wound where organs protrude from the abdominal cavity?

• A. Laceration
• B. Abdominal Evisceration
• C. Hernia
• D. Internal Bleeding

Answer: (B)

Abdominal evisceration describes an open abdominal wound with the organs protruding outside the abdominal cavity. This term is the best fit because it explicitly conveys both the break in the abdominal wall and the visible protrusion of viscera, which is what the scenario describes.

A laceration is simply a cut or tear in tissue and doesn’t inherently involve organs spilling out of the body. A hernia involves a loop or organ pushing through a weakness in the abdominal wall, but the protruding tissue is usually not exposed as an open wound with external organs visible. Internal bleeding refers to bleeding inside the body with no visible protrusion of organs.

In this emergency, do not try to push the organs back in. Cover them with sterile saline-soaked dressings, keep them moist, and secure the dressings loosely in place. Call for emergency help, and keep the person warm while monitoring for signs of shock.