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Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College of Nursing
NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)
Report No. 7
Rotating Tourniquet
I. DESCRIPTION:
A compression device used to cut off the flow of blood to a part of the body, most often an arm
or leg. It may be a special surgical instrument, a rubber tube, a strip of cloth, or any flexible
material that can be tightened to exert pressure. Compression should not be maintained for
more than 20 min at a time because of the danger of congestion and gangrene. In cases of a
bleeding emergency, a tourniquet is used to stop the flow of blood if other means, e.g., the
application of a pressure bandage to the wound, are not effective. In arterial haemorrhage
(bright red blood spurting out in jets) the tourniquet is applied above the wound, i.e., between
the wound and the heart. In haemorrhage from a vein (an even flow of dark red blood) the
tourniquet is applied below the wound, i.e., away from the heart.

In the case of severe emergency, the proper application of a tourniquet could save the life of a
badly wounded person or animal. However, tourniquets should only be used as a last resort if
the wound is so severe that the injured person is in danger of bleeding to death and/or if the
application of direct pressure on the wound is insufficient. If the tourniquet is applied
incorrectly, you may cause serious injury potentially leading to the loss of the leg or arm.

II. MATERIALS/ EQUIPMENTS NEEDED:

An Inflatable Cuff.
A Compressed Gas Source.
A Pressure Display.
A Pressure Regulator.
Connection Tubing.

III. PROCEDURE:
Explain the procedure to the patient
Wear gloves. By wearing gloves, you will protect yourself against immunodeficiency
diseases.
Expose the wound. Tear away any of the patient's clothing that is obstructing your view
of, and access to, the wound.
Apply firm direct pressure. Use gauze to apply firm pressure to the wound. Only use a
specifically designed tourniquet if you have the proper training.
Improvise your tourniquet.
Wrap your tourniquet around the arm or leg between the wound and the heart.
Never wrap your tourniquet directly around a wound, fracture, or joint.
Never wrap your tourniquet directly around a wound, fracture, or joint.
Place some sort of padding underneath the tourniquet. One possible option is to place
the tourniquet over the patient's smoothed shirt sleeve or pant leg to prevent the skin
from being pinched or twisted.
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Wrap the tourniquet material around the limb several times. Try to keep the material as
flat as possible as you wrap it around the injured limb.
Use a torsion device, such as a stick.
Tighten the torsion device.
Tie the loose ends of the tourniquet around the ends of the torsion device.
Assess your patient for signs of shock.

IV. DIAGRAM/ILLUSTRATION:


V. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Before the procedure
Explain the procedure to the patient
Wear gloves
Apply sterile to sterile technique
Gather all equipments
During the procedure
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere
with the procedure.
If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
Gently apply the procedure
After the procedure
Keep your patient warm
Render care to the patient
Assess vital signs






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References:
https://ph.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006040400672

https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8
&docid=ZxtLOVZAyjWxVM&tbnid=RnM5nH9d6KLpEM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2F
medical-
dictionary.thefreedictionary.com%2Ftourniquet&ei=9dngU8jxFYmDiwLliYHIDg&bvm=bv.721972
43,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNEeN6AMXUWwRuKf2N8altAVud7J4Q&ust=1407331179967972

http://www.wikihow.com/Apply-a-Tourniquet






























AUG 7, 2014 MARIA TERESITA PARTOSA, RN, MN
Date Clinical Instructors Initials






PAULA BIANCA A. MANUEL
BSN III - C