Where should a deliberate tourniquet be applied?

• A. 2-4 inches above the wound, on the skin, not over a joint
• B. Directly over the wound
• C. On the bony prominence
• D. Below the wound

Answer: (A)

When stopping limb bleeding, the tourniquet should be placed so it occludes the arteries supplying the injured area. Put it on the skin about 2 to 4 inches above the wound, so the pressure presses on soft tissue and can effectively shut down blood flow to the site of injury. This keeps the device away from the wound itself and provides a stable surface for compression. Placing directly over the wound risks contamination and may not achieve reliable arterial occlusion, and placing over a joint can hinder consistent pressure because joints and their movement can disrupt the seal and effectiveness. The goal is a tight, sustained restriction of blood flow to the region above the wound until help arrives.