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Wound evisceration — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Wound eviscerationUSMLE Step 3

A 63-year-old man coughs forcefully on postoperative day 6 after laparotomy and feels a pop. Serosanguinous fluid drains from the incision, and bowel loops are visible through the wound. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Cover with sterile saline dressings and take to the operating room

Wound evisceration is a surgical emergency requiring protection of exposed bowel and operative repair.

Reference: ACS Surgery Principles; Sabiston Textbook of Surgery