When using a tourniquet, which statement is accurate?

• A. the tourniquet should be applied directly over a joint if possible because this provides better bleeding control.
• B. the tourniquet should only be removed at the hospital because bleeding may return if the tourniquet is released.
• C. you should try to control the bleeding by applying pressure to a proximal arterial pressure point first.
• D. bulky dressings should be securely applied over the tourniquet to further assist in controlling the bleeding.

Answer: (B)

Tourniquets are used to stop life-threatening limb bleeding and must be left in place until professional care can take over. Releasing a tourniquet in the field can allow bleeding to resume, which can be dangerous and lead to rapid blood loss. That’s why the best practice is to keep the tourniquet on and transport to a hospital or medical facility for proper removal and assessment.

The other statements aren’t correct because: placing a tourniquet directly over a joint isn’t recommended since joints are prone to movement and tissue injury, and the tourniquet should be positioned above the wound rather than over a joint; relying on proximal arterial pressure points isn’t a reliable or primary method to control bleeding when a tourniquet is available; and placing bulky dressings over the tourniquet can obscure the limb, hinder monitoring, and potentially interfere with the tourniquet’s effectiveness.