Tourniquet indication?

Tourniquet indication?

• A. For minor bleeding on a small wound.
• B. For bleeding from a non-extremity source.
• C. For life-threatening bleeding from a limb that is not controllable by direct pressure.
• D. For life-threatening extremity bleeding not controllable by direct pressure.

Answer: (D)

A tourniquet is indicated for life-threatening bleeding from a limb when direct pressure cannot control the hemorrhage. It’s not used for minor bleeding or for bleeding from non-extremity sources. In practice, you apply direct pressure first; if the bleeding remains life-threatening, apply a tourniquet high and proximal to the wound to stop arterial inflow, then proceed with rapid transport and monitor distal circulation and the limb. The point is to control massive limb bleeding when other measures fail, recognizing it as a last-resort tool with careful timing and documentation.

A tourniquet is indicated for life-threatening bleeding from a limb when direct pressure cannot control the hemorrhage. It’s not used for minor bleeding or for bleeding from non-extremity sources. In practice, you apply direct pressure first; if the bleeding remains life-threatening, apply a tourniquet high and proximal to the wound to stop arterial inflow, then proceed with rapid transport and monitor distal circulation and the limb. The point is to control massive limb bleeding when other measures fail, recognizing it as a last-resort tool with careful timing and documentation.