Final answer:
A tourniquet is typically applied proximal to the site of amputation, closer to the trunk or body of the patient. Its purpose is to temporarily stop the blood flow to the limb to minimize bleeding during the amputation procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cases of amputation, a tourniquet is typically applied proximal to the site of amputation. This means that the tourniquet is applied closer to the trunk or body of the patient, above the level where the limb is going to be amputated. The purpose of applying a tourniquet is to temporarily stop the blood flow to the limb to minimize bleeding during the amputation procedure.
For example, if a patient is going to have their lower right extremity amputated, the tourniquet would be applied above the knee joint, closer to the thigh area.