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

What immediate action should you take if you encounter bowel loops protruding from an abdominal laceration?

1. Cover the loops with a dry cloth

2. Apply pressure to the loops

3. Cover the loops with a moist sterile dressing

4. Leave the loops exposed for observation

The correct answer is: Cover the loops with a moist sterile dressing

When faced with bowel loops protruding from an abdominal laceration, the priority is to protect the exposed tissue and prevent further injury or contamination. The correct action is to cover the loops with a moist sterile dressing. This helps to maintain moisture in the bowel tissue, which is crucial for its viability, as exposure to air can cause the tissue to dry out, leading to necrosis. Additionally, a moist dressing reduces the risk of infection and minimizes the risk of further irritation to the exposed bowel. Using a moist sterile dressing creates an optimal environment for the bowel loops until further medical care can be provided. It's important that the dressing is sterile to decrease the chance of introducing bacteria into the wound. Other options, such as applying pressure to the loops or leaving them exposed, could worsen the situation by damaging the tissue or exposing it to contaminants. Covering with a dry cloth does not provide the necessary moisture protection for the bowel, making it an inadequate choice in this emergency scenario.