New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What best describes an evisceration?

1. Internal bleeding

2. Bowel loops protruding through the abdomen

3. Pneumothorax

4. Soft tissue laceration

The correct answer is: Bowel loops protruding through the abdomen

An evisceration is characterized by bowel loops or other internal organs protruding through a wound in the abdominal wall. This condition usually occurs after a traumatic injury that tears the skin and muscles, allowing the intestines or other visceral organs to push out. In medical terminology, it is specifically the displacement of organs from their normal cavity, which in the case of abdominal evisceration, refers primarily to the emergence of abdominal contents through an open wound. Understanding evisceration is critical for first responders like EMTs because it signifies a severe injury that requires immediate attention. Managing this situation involves protecting the exposed organs and preventing further contamination, emphasizing the urgent nature of the injury. Knowing that evisceration relates directly to the body's internal structures being outside the usual confines aids in quick decision-making during emergency medical situations.