A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 5
P
neumatic tourniquets are routinely
applied to arms and legs in ortho-
pedic cases to create a bloodless
surgical field, but with little thought given to the complica-
tions they can cause — from nerve and muscle injury to
deep vein thrombosis and damage to the skin beneath the cuff. Here's a
quick look at ways to reduce the risk of an injury from the use of a tourni-
quet.
Q. What factors should I consider before every tourniquet case?
A. You should consider 3 factors: duration of occlusive pressure, inflation pressure
Q&A on Safe Tourniquet Use
Practices to reduce the risk of patient harm.
Dan O'Connor
Editor-in-Chief
• SAFETY FIRST Keep the tourniquet inflation
pressure to the minimum effective pressure
and protect the skin under the tourniquet.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
