Final answer:
A tourniquet should be removed within 1-2 minutes to prevent tissue damage and ensure intermittent blood flow to the affected area.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tourniquet should be removed within 1-2 minutes because prolonged application can cause tissue damage, including nerve injury, muscle damage, and impairment of circulation. If a tourniquet is left in place for too long, it can lead to ischemia, which is an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles. Tourniquets are used to control bleeding by applying pressure to blood vessels, but they should be loosened gradually to allow for intermittent blood flow, ensuring that the affected area receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs while still controlling hemorrhage.