A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse discovers a loop of bowel through an opening in the surgical incision. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Positioning on the left side does not address evisceration, where bowel protrudes through a surgical incision. This position may not prevent further protrusion or contamination, and it is not a standard intervention, making it incorrect compared to protecting the bowel. Choice B reason: Gently reinserting the bowel is dangerous, as it risks contamination, infection, or damage to the tissue. Only a surgeon should perform reinsertion under sterile conditions, making this choice incorrect and unsafe for the nurse to attempt. Choice C reason: Applying moistened sterile gauze protects the exposed bowel from drying out and contamination, maintaining viability until surgical repair. This is the standard nursing intervention for evisceration, preventing infection and tissue damage, making this the correct action. Choice D reason: Placing the bed flat does not directly address evisceration. A semi-Fowler’s position may reduce abdominal pressure, but protecting the bowel with moist gauze is the priority to prevent drying and infection, making this choice less critical.