Final answer:
The tourniquet should be positioned proximal to the injection site during intravenous contrast administration. For home administration of antimicrobials, the oral route is most appropriate. The IV bag should be elevated above the entry point to aid fluid flow by gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct position for placing a tourniquet when preparing a patient for intravenous (IV) contrast administration is proximal to the injection site. This means the tourniquet should be placed closer to the central part of the body or heart and above the chosen vein for contrast injection. By doing this, the tourniquet obstructs the venous flow back to the heart, causing the vein to become more prominent, which simplifies the insertion of the IV needle. It is crucial to avoid placing the tourniquet distally or directly over the injection site as these positions do not aid in venous distention and can lead to complications.
For administering an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection at home, the most convenient and appropriate route of administration would be oral, as it is safe, cost-effective, and easy for the patient to manage without assistance. Other routes such as intravenous, topical, and parenteral require specific training, equipment, or healthcare provider assistance, which may not be practical for home use.
The pressure required for IV fluid administration can be achieved by placing the IV bag at an elevation above the entry point into the arm, typically around 0.24 m or higher, to ensure proper flow. The distance the IV bag must be above the entry point can vary based on clinical requirements, but the principle is that it should be sufficiently raised to allow gravity to aid the flow of the liquid into the patient's blood circulation.