As a nurse, what is the first action to take if evisceration occurs?

In the event of evisceration, the first action should be to get the patient back to bed to minimize strain on the surgical site and prevent further injury or complications. This action helps provide a stable and safe environment for the patient while immediate measures are taken to address the situation. Stabilizing the patient’s position is crucial because it allows the nurse to manage the evisceration more effectively, as well as to prepare for further interventions that may be necessary.

After ensuring the patient is in a safe position, the nurse would typically proceed to notify the surgical team and assess the patient's vital signs, but the priority right after evisceration is ensuring that the patient is lying down comfortably and safely to prevent any additional stress on the area. Administering pain medication might be necessary afterward, but the immediate concern must focus on the patient's position and the integrity of the surgical site.