Question

Where should a tourniquet be placed from the draw site?

a) 1 inch
b) 2 inches
c) 3 inches
d) 4 inches

Answer 1

A tourniquet should be placed 3 to 4 inches above the draw site during a venipuncture procedure to ensure sufficient space for the phlebotomist to work and to prevent contamination or interference with the blood draw.

Step-by-step explanation:

When applying a tourniquet for venipuncture or blood drawing procedures, it is recommended to place the tourniquet approximately 3 to 4 inches above the draw site. This allows the phlebotomist to have sufficient space to palpate and anchor the vein and to apply the needle with minimal movement of the vein. Moreover, this distance is sufficient to avoid the tourniquet being too close to the venipuncture site, which could potentially cause contamination or interfere with the blood draw process.