A 45-year-old male sustains a high-velocity gunshot wound to the right thigh with a large exit wound. After applying a tourniquet and controlling the ...

Question

A 45-year-old male sustains a high-velocity gunshot wound to the right thigh with a large exit wound. After applying a tourniquet and controlling the haemorrhage, you note the tourniquet time is now 2 hours. Can the tourniquet safely remain in place for this duration?

Accepted Answer

Yes - modern evidence supports tourniquet application for up to 2-4 hours with an acceptable risk-benefit ratio; limb-threatening complications are rare within this timeframe

Answer

The tourniquet must be removed after 1 hour regardless of bleeding

Answer

No - tourniquets must be released every 15 minutes to allow perfusion

Answer

Tourniquet time is irrelevant - leave indefinitely

Answer

The tourniquet should be converted to a pressure dressing at 30 minutes

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Tourniquet Duration Safety

A 45-year-old male sustains a high-velocity gunshot wound to the right thigh with a large exit wound. After applying a tourniquet and controlling the haemorrhage, you note the tourniquet time is now 2 hours. Can the tourniquet safely remain in place for this duration?