CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

How does leaving a tourniquet on for more than two hours affect a patient?

1. Increases risk of infection

2. Increases risk of neurological damage

3. Decreases blood circulation

4. Creates blood clots

The correct answer is: Increases risk of neurological damage

Leaving a tourniquet on for more than two hours increases the risk of neurological damage due to prolonged compression of nerves and restriction of blood flow to the tissues. When a tourniquet is applied, it constricts the blood vessels, stopping blood flow to the area beyond the tourniquet. If this situation persists for an extended period, the lack of blood supply can lead to ischemia, which negatively impacts nerve function. Ischemia can result in cellular death and failure of nerve conduction, leading to symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, and ultimately, potential permanent damage to the neurological structures in the affected area. This underscores the need for careful monitoring of patients with tourniquets in place and considering timely removal or alteration of their application to prevent adverse outcomes like neurological injury. The other options do not reflect the most immediate and critical risks associated with prolonged tourniquet application, focusing instead on potential complications like infection, blood circulation issues, or clot formation, which while important, are secondary concerns compared to the direct threat of nerve damage from sustained ischemia.