When reassessing a previously placed tourniquet, what should be checked for?

When reassessing a previously placed tourniquet, it is essential to confirm that bleeding has been effectively controlled and that distal pulses are absent. This assessment is critical for ensuring that the tourniquet is functioning properly and that it is effectively occluding the blood flow beyond the application site. If bleeding continues or if distal pulses are present, it may indicate that the tourniquet is not applied tight enough or that it has loosened, which can lead to further bleeding and a risk of significant injury or death.

The absence of distal pulses confirms that the tourniquet has adequately restricted blood flow to the affected extremity. Reassessing these parameters helps determine whether the intervention is still effective and whether any further action is needed, such as the need for additional tourniquet application or alternative bleeding control measures.

Other considerations, such as swelling, skin temperature, or signs of infection, might be relevant in broader assessments of the patient’s condition but are not the immediate priorities when specifically evaluating the effectiveness of a tourniquet. Bleeding control and the state of distal circulation are paramount during this critical reassessment phase.