A nurse notes a small section of bowel protruding from the abdominal incision of a client who is postoperative. After calling for assistance, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. The protrusion of bowel through a surgical incision is called evisceration, a surgical emergency. The first priority is to protect the exposed bowel and prevent further injury or contamination. Covering the wound with a moist, sterile dressing soaked in saline maintains tissue viability, prevents drying, and reduces the risk of infection. B. While monitoring vital signs is important to assess for shock or other complications, it is secondary to protecting the exposed bowel. Immediate action to prevent further damage takes priority. C. Informing the client about returning to surgery is necessary, but communication comes after emergency measures to protect the bowel and stabilize the client. Delaying care to explain the situation could worsen tissue injury. D. Having the client lie supine with knees flexed can help reduce tension on the abdominal incision and may be done, but it is not the first action. Covering the bowel with a sterile, moist dressing takes precedence.