EXAM FOR WOUND CARE & POSTOPERATIVE NURSING PRACTICE
,TABLE OF CONTENTS — SUMMARY
• Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
• Dehiscence & Evisceration
• Wound Infection & Hemorrhage
• Drainage, Slough, Eschar & Granulation
• Sterile Technique & Dressing Changes
• Wound Assessment & Documentation
• Nutrition, Diabetes & Healing
• Mobility, Pain & Postoperative Recovery
• Drains & Wound Devices
• Discharge Teaching & Prioritization
Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 2
, Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice
50 Original NCLEX-Style Fundamentals Questions + Detailed Rationales | Dehiscence, Evisceration, Wound
Healing, Infection Prevention & Nutrition | 2026/2027
Question 1
During a postoperative assessment, the nurse notes that an abdominal incision has partially separated but no organs
are visible. How should this complication be documented?
A. Evisceration
B. Dehiscence
C. Hematoma
D. Seroma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dehiscence is partial or complete separation of wound layers after closure. Evisceration occurs when internal
organs protrude through the disrupted wound. Prompt recognition is important because dehiscence can progress to
evisceration and may indicate impaired healing or increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Clinical Pearl: Dehiscence = wound edges separate; evisceration = organs protrude.
Exam Strategy: If the wound opens but organs are not visible, think dehiscence.
Question 2
Several days after abdominal surgery, a patient suddenly reports “something gave way” while coughing. The nurse
sees loops of bowel protruding through the incision. What should the nurse do first?
A. Attempt to gently replace the bowel into the abdomen
B. Ask the patient to stand so the wound can be inspected
C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile saline-moistened dressings and obtain emergency assistance
D. Apply a dry adhesive dressing tightly over the wound
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Evisceration is a surgical emergency. The exposed tissue should be protected with sterile dressings moistened
with normal saline while the patient is kept in a position that reduces abdominal tension and urgent surgical assistance is
obtained. The nurse should never attempt to reinsert protruding organs.
Clinical Pearl: Keep exposed abdominal organs moist, sterile, and protected.
Exam Strategy: Evisceration = cover with sterile saline-moistened dressings + emergency response.
Question 3
Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing abdominal wound evisceration while awaiting further
treatment?
A. Low-Fowler position with knees slightly flexed
B. High-Fowler position with legs straight
C. Prone with the abdomen unsupported
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low-Fowler positioning with slight knee flexion helps reduce tension on the abdominal musculature and surgical
wound. Positions that stretch the abdomen may worsen tissue protrusion and wound separation.
Clinical Pearl: Reduce abdominal strain whenever wound integrity is compromised.
Exam Strategy: Abdominal evisceration = low-Fowler + knees flexed.
Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 3
,TABLE OF CONTENTS — SUMMARY
• Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
• Dehiscence & Evisceration
• Wound Infection & Hemorrhage
• Drainage, Slough, Eschar & Granulation
• Sterile Technique & Dressing Changes
• Wound Assessment & Documentation
• Nutrition, Diabetes & Healing
• Mobility, Pain & Postoperative Recovery
• Drains & Wound Devices
• Discharge Teaching & Prioritization
Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 2
, Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice
50 Original NCLEX-Style Fundamentals Questions + Detailed Rationales | Dehiscence, Evisceration, Wound
Healing, Infection Prevention & Nutrition | 2026/2027
Question 1
During a postoperative assessment, the nurse notes that an abdominal incision has partially separated but no organs
are visible. How should this complication be documented?
A. Evisceration
B. Dehiscence
C. Hematoma
D. Seroma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dehiscence is partial or complete separation of wound layers after closure. Evisceration occurs when internal
organs protrude through the disrupted wound. Prompt recognition is important because dehiscence can progress to
evisceration and may indicate impaired healing or increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Clinical Pearl: Dehiscence = wound edges separate; evisceration = organs protrude.
Exam Strategy: If the wound opens but organs are not visible, think dehiscence.
Question 2
Several days after abdominal surgery, a patient suddenly reports “something gave way” while coughing. The nurse
sees loops of bowel protruding through the incision. What should the nurse do first?
A. Attempt to gently replace the bowel into the abdomen
B. Ask the patient to stand so the wound can be inspected
C. Cover the exposed organs with sterile saline-moistened dressings and obtain emergency assistance
D. Apply a dry adhesive dressing tightly over the wound
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Evisceration is a surgical emergency. The exposed tissue should be protected with sterile dressings moistened
with normal saline while the patient is kept in a position that reduces abdominal tension and urgent surgical assistance is
obtained. The nurse should never attempt to reinsert protruding organs.
Clinical Pearl: Keep exposed abdominal organs moist, sterile, and protected.
Exam Strategy: Evisceration = cover with sterile saline-moistened dressings + emergency response.
Question 3
Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing abdominal wound evisceration while awaiting further
treatment?
A. Low-Fowler position with knees slightly flexed
B. High-Fowler position with legs straight
C. Prone with the abdomen unsupported
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low-Fowler positioning with slight knee flexion helps reduce tension on the abdominal musculature and surgical
wound. Positions that stretch the abdomen may worsen tissue protrusion and wound separation.
Clinical Pearl: Reduce abdominal strain whenever wound integrity is compromised.
Exam Strategy: Abdominal evisceration = low-Fowler + knees flexed.
Wound Care & Postoperative Nursing Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 3
