AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common indication for using a pneumatic tourniquet during surgery?

1. To minimize blood loss

2. To prevent infection

3. To stabilize fractures

4. To provide anesthesia

The correct answer is: To minimize blood loss

In surgical procedures, one of the primary purposes of utilizing a pneumatic tourniquet is to minimize blood loss. This device works by applying controlled pressure to a limb, restricting blood flow to the area where the surgery is being performed. By occluding arterial blood flow, the surgical field becomes less vascularized, making it easier for the surgeon to see the structures involved and perform the operation with greater precision. This reduction in blood loss is particularly crucial in procedures involving the extremities, where excessive bleeding could complicate the surgery or impair the patient’s overall health. The other options, while they might contribute to the surgical environment, do not represent the primary rationale for using a tourniquet. Preventing infection is achieved through other means, such as proper aseptic techniques and antibiotic prophylaxis. Stabilizing fractures generally involves the use of splints or other supportive devices rather than a tourniquet. Additionally, providing anesthesia is typically managed through local, regional, or general anesthesia techniques, separate from the functions of a tourniquet.