Which does the nurse implement as preparation for venipuncture?

Question

1. Tie the tourniquet in a knot.
2. Use tourniquet for less than 1 minute.
3. Place tourniquet 3 to 4 inches above selected site.
4. Apply tourniquet tight enough to occlude distal pulses.

Answer 1

3
3, 1, and 4. The nurse places the tourniquet around and above the selected site by 3 to 4 inches and tightens the tourniquet tight enough to occlude venous return but not distal pulses. The nurse is able to occlude the venous return without occluding arterial blood flow because the arterial system is a higher pressure system and, thus, requires more pressure to stop blood flow than a vein requires. The nurse uses a slipknot or a Velcro strip for a quick, one-handed release of the tourniquet.
2. The nurse can use the tourniquet in place for several minutes, depending on the client.