Which statement best describes tourniquet placement?

• A. Placed directly on a joint
• B. Placed 2-3 inches below the wound
• C. Placed over a major artery only
• D. Placed 2-3 inches above the wound, not over a joint

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is to cut off blood flow to the injured limb by applying the tourniquet over soft tissue proximal to the wound, so it can press the artery against firm tissue and bone. The recommended position is about 2-3 inches above the wound and not over a joint. This proximity above the wound ensures the tourniquet can occlude arterial flow reliably, while staying away from joints helps prevent slippage and incomplete compression that can occur when the band sits over a joint. Placing the tourniquet below the wound wouldn’t stop arterial inflow to the bleeding site, and placing it directly on a joint can reduce effectiveness due to joint movement and compressibility.