Upon witnessing evisceration in a post-operative patient, which action should the nurse prioritize?

When witnessing evisceration in a post-operative patient, the highest priority for the nurse is to call for help and stay with the patient. Evisceration, which involves the protrusion of internal organs through a wound, is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. By staying with the patient, the nurse can provide emotional support, assess the situation, and monitor for any changes in the patient's condition while waiting for additional medical assistance.

Calling for help is crucial because immediate surgical intervention may be needed to address the evisceration and prevent further complications. The nurse's presence can help stabilize the patient until emergency response is available.

While other actions, such as documenting the incident or preparing the patient for surgery, are important, they cannot take precedence over ensuring the patient's current safety and stability. Assessing vital signs for shock is also essential, but the immediate response should focus on obtaining help and keeping the patient calm and safe during this critical situation.