Amputated part care includes which steps?

• A. Rinse with saline and store in a sealed bag at room temperature
• B. Wrap in moist sterile dressing, place in bag, place bag on ice, do not freeze
• C. Submerge the part in hot water for cleaning
• D. Leave the part at the scene to be retrieved later

Answer: (B)

Preserving an amputated part hinges on keeping it clean, moist, and cool to maximize the chance of tissue viability for possible reattachment. Start by rinsing gently with saline to remove debris without causing damage. Then wrap the part in a moist sterile dressing so it stays hydrated. Place the wrapped tissue in a clean sealed bag to protect it from contamination while preserving moisture. Keep the bag on ice to cool it toward about 4°C, but never allow it to freeze. Do not leave the part at the scene; it should accompany the patient so it can be properly prepared for potential reattachment. This approach avoids drying or warming the tissue, prevents freezing damage, and emphasizes rapid, appropriate cooling.