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Traumatic amputation — DIPIMC MCQ

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EasyPre-Hospital TraumaTraumatic amputationDIPIMCDipIMC

A worker has had fingers amputated by machinery. Haemorrhage from the hand has been controlled and a colleague hands you the amputated fingers. What is the most appropriate way to manage the amputated part for possible re-implantation?

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Correct answer: E — Wrap the part in saline-dampened gauze, bag it, and keep it cool

An amputated part should be wrapped in saline-dampened gauze, sealed in a plastic bag, and kept cool by placing the sealed bag on ice, avoiding direct contact between tissue and ice. Direct immersion in ice water or contact with an ice pack causes freezing injury, and antiseptic damages tissue. Leaving it dry desiccates the part. Pearl: keep the part cool but not frozen, and transport it with the patient to a unit capable of re-implantation.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines