When should you tighten a tourniquet?

Tightening a tourniquet until you can no longer feel a pulse in the area is the correct approach because this indicates that blood flow to the distal limb is effectively occluded. A tourniquet is used as a critical measure for controlling severe bleeding, particularly in situations where direct pressure is ineffective.

By tightening it until the pulse is absent, you confirm that the tourniquet is functioning appropriately to stop arterial bleeding. It is vital to continuously monitor the patient’s condition, as excessive tightening could lead to tissue damage. This method aligns with established protocols aimed at maximizing the chances of limb preservation and minimizing complications.

Other options do not reflect the necessary practical guidelines for tourniquet application. For instance, stopping when bleeding is completely halted may lead to misjudgment, while waiting to apply a tourniquet until swelling occurs might delay critical intervention. Applying a tourniquet immediately after dressing a wound without ensuring that it is required can also be unnecessary and may complicate the injury’s management.