Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What do you do if an internal organ is exposed?

1. Apply pressure to stop bleeding

2. Elevate the limbs

3. Leave the wound open for ventilation

4. Occlusive dressing x4; flex hips/knees if no spinal injury

The correct answer is: Occlusive dressing x4; flex hips/knees if no spinal injury

The appropriate approach when dealing with an exposed internal organ involves using an occlusive dressing to protect the area and minimize the risk of contamination and further injury. The use of occlusive dressings creates a barrier that can keep the tissues moist and reduce exposure to external pathogens which can lead to infections. In addition, flexing the hips and knees can help maintain comfort and stabilize the position of the person while preventing further damage, as long as there is no concern for a spinal injury. This position can help reduce tension on any exposed organ or tissues. While applying pressure to stop bleeding can be important in some scenarios, it should not be the primary intervention for exposed organs, as this could exacerbate the injury. Elevating the limbs may also not be appropriate in this context, as it could potentially complicate the situation if there is significant internal bleeding. Leaving the wound open for ventilation is not advisable, as it increases the risk of infection and can worsen the injury. Thus, the correct management must balance protection of the organ while providing necessary support to the patient.