Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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What is the recommended maximum time limit for a tourniquet to remain inflated on an adult lower extremity?

30 minutes
60 minutes
1.5 hours
2.5 hours

The correct answer is: 1.5 hours

The recommended maximum time limit for a tourniquet to remain inflated on an adult lower extremity is indeed 1.5 hours. This duration is based on clinical guidelines designed to minimize the risk of complications associated with prolonged ischemia, such as muscle necrosis and nerve injury. When a tourniquet is applied, it effectively occludes blood flow to the distal extremity, allowing for a bloodless surgical field and facilitating certain surgical procedures. However, maintaining this occlusion for too long can lead to irreversible damage. The guidelines suggest that after about 1.5 hours of continuous inflation, the risk of complications increases significantly, making it imperative to monitor the time and deflate the tourniquet if the procedure is not completed. A duration of 30 minutes or less is often suggested for certain procedures, but this is not the maximum time limit, while 60 minutes and durations extending beyond 1.5 hours pose substantial risks of complications, therefore confirming that 1.5 hours is the appropriate recommendation for prolonged tourniquet use in adult lower extremities.