Question

The recommended inflation time limit for an upper extremity is ___ and ___ for the lower extremity

a) 2 hours and 3 hours
b) 30 minutes and 2 hours
c) 1 hour and 1.5 hours
d) 1 hour for both upper and lower extremity

Answer 1

The inflation time limit for tourniquets is 30 minutes for upper extremities and 2 hours for lower extremities to reduce the risk of ischemic injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended inflation time limit for an upper extremity is 30 minutes and 2 hours for the lower extremity. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 30 minutes and 2 hours. This refers to the duration that a cuff or tourniquet can be safely applied to stop blood flow. Beyond 1 hour, there is an increased risk of complications such as tissue ischemia, nerve damage, and muscle injury.

In medical procedures involving a tourniquet, these time limits are critical to minimize the risk of complications such as nerve damage or tissue necrosis. Exceeding these limits can lead to serious injury to the patient, as prolonged tourniquet application can cause ischemia and subsequent reperfusion injuries once the blood flow is restored. The upper extremities are more susceptible to damage due to their smaller size and reduced compartment volumes compared to the lower extremities. Therefore, both medical professionals and patients should adhere strictly to these guidelines during surgical procedures.