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

• A. Laceration
• B. Abdominal Evisceration
• C. Hernia
• D. Puncture

Answer: (B)

Abdominal evisceration is a life-threatening condition in which an open abdominal wound allows internal organs, such as intestines, to protrude outside the body. This is distinct from other injuries: a laceration is a tearing wound that may not involve exposed viscera; a puncture creates a small opening from a pointed object and typically doesn’t result in organs visible outside the body; a hernia involves organs protruding through a defect in the abdominal wall but with the skin intact, so you don’t usually see exposed organs through an open wound. In the case of evisceration, the organs are externally visible through the wound, signaling an urgent emergency. Immediate care priorities are to keep the organs moist with sterile or clean saline-soaked dressings, avoid pushing them back in, and seek rapid medical help while monitoring the patient and keeping them warm.