Dehiscence vs. Evisceration Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is dehiscence?

When an incision fails to heal properly, the layers of skin and tissue separate. This most commonly occurs before collagen formation (3 to 11 days after injury).

Who is at risk for dehiscence?

Patients with poor wound healing conditions such as poor nutritional status or infection are at risk. Obese patients have a higher risk due to constant strain on their wounds.

What might cause dehiscence? What might prevent it?

Dehiscence can happen in abdominal surgical wounds after sudden strain such as coughing or sitting up in bed. Preventative measures include abdominal binding and splinting.

What are some indicators that dehiscence has occurred?

Patients report feeling as though something has given way and there is an increase in serosanguineous drainage from a wound. Signup and view all the answers

What is evisceration?

Evisceration is the protrusion of visceral organs through a wound opening due to total separation of wound layers. Signup and view all the answers

What is an evisceration considered? What should you do as the RN?

Evisceration is a surgical emergency requiring immediate action, including placing sterile gauze over the site and contacting the surgical team. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of organs protruding through the wound?

If organs protrude, blood supply to the tissues can be compromised. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dehiscence

Definition: Failure of an incision to heal properly, leading to partial or total separation of wound layers.
Timing: Most commonly occurs 3 to 11 days post-injury, before collagen formation.
Commonly seen in abdominal surgical wounds.

Risk Factors for Dehiscence

Poor wound healing due to factors such as inadequate nutrition and infection.
Obesity increases risk due to constant strain on wounds and poor healing characteristics of fat tissue.

Causes and Prevention of Dehiscence

Sudden strain events (e.g., coughing, vomiting, rising from bed) can lead to dehiscence.
Prevention strategies include abdominal binding and splinting the wound area.

Indicators of Dehiscence

Patient reports a sensation of something giving way in the wound area.
Increased serosanguineous drainage from the wound within the initial days post-surgery suggests potential dehiscence.

Evisceration

Definition: A more severe condition where there is total separation of wound layers, leading to protrusion of visceral organs through the wound.
Considered a surgical emergency with immediate intervention required.

Actions in Case of Evisceration

Cover the protruding organs with sterile gauze soaked in saline to prevent infection and drying.
Contact the surgical team immediately.
Keep the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) to prepare for potential emergency surgery.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of shock in the patient.

Implications of Protruding Organs

Protrusion can compromise blood supply to the affected tissues, posing serious health risks.

Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of dehiscence and evisceration with these flashcards. Learn about the definitions, risks, and implications associated with improper wound healing. Ideal for students in medical or nursing courses.