Question

Which one of the following statements gives a proper rule for tightening a tourniquet?

Option 1: Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops completely.
Option 2: Loosely apply the tourniquet to maintain some blood flow.
Option 3: Tighten the tourniquet until the limb turns blue.
Option 4: Tighten the tourniquet just enough to stop severe bleeding.

Answer 1

The correct option for tightening a tourniquet is to adjust it just enough to stop severe bleeding while minimizing potential harm to the limb. Option 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper rule for tightening a tourniquet to control severe bleeding is Option 4: Tighten the tourniquet just enough to stop severe bleeding. A tourniquet should be applied when other methods to control bleeding, such as direct pressure, have failed. Its use is a balance between stopping blood flow to prevent blood loss and minimizing potential harm to the limb.

The tourniquet should be tight enough to stop the flow of blood to the wound, which will typically also stop the pulse in the extremity below the tourniquet. It is important not to overtighten, as this can harm tissues and lead to complications such as limb ischemia or nerve damage. Once applied, a tourniquet should not be loosened without proper medical supervision.