HAEMORRHAGE & TORNIQUE Flashcards
1
Q
Indications fot a tourniquet
A
- Severe bleeding for a limb that is uncontrolled despite firm, direct & sustained pressure
- Bleeding from a limb that is immediately life threatening
- Severe bleeding from a limb when the bleeding site cannot be reached
- Crush injury of a limb (or more) that is trapped under a weight for more than 60 minutes prior to release
2
Q
Contraindications and cautions for a tourniquet
A
None
None
3
Q
Potential complications of a tourniquet
A
- Severe pain
- Tissue damage
- If the tourniquet is applied to a limb with two bones it may limit the pressure that can be applied
- Bleeding may be difficult to control if a tourniquet is placed over a thigh, particularly if large
4
Q
Prep for a tourniquet
A
- Explain procedure & gain informed consent
- Elevate (where suitable) & expose limb
- Demonstrate applying direct pressure
- Prepare the CAT for application
ARM : Slide the band over the arm
LEG : pass the strap around the leg & and pass the band through the friction buckle
5
Q
Application of a tourniquet
A
- Position the CAT 5cm proximal to the wound DO NOT APPLY OVER A JOINT!!!!!
- Pull the self adhesive band tightly & secure it back on itself
- Rotate the windlass rod until the bleeding has stopped & there is NO DISTAL PULSE
- Lock the windlass rod in place in the windlass clip
- Secure the rod with white securing strip
- Leave the wound exposed
- Record time of application
- Check distal limb baselines
- Pulse, skin colour, temp, CRT
6
Q
Ongoing assessment for a tourniquet
A
- Recheck the tourniquet following treatment as it may need further tightening if blood pressure improves
- If bleeding continues ensure tourniquet is tight enough & consider placing another proximal to first
