Exsanguination, pneumatic tourniquet inflation, and subsequent deflation cause local and systemic physiologic responses that perioperative nurses must understand to have a better grasp of the patient's risk for pneumatic tourniquet-related complications. By understanding patient- and practice-specific risk factors for pneumatic tourniquet-related complications, perioperative nurses also can communicate and collaborate effectively with anesthesia professionals and surgeons; assess and monitor patients before, during and after surgery; and decrease the likelihood of adverse outcomes from pneumatic tourniquet use.

Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the body's physiologic responses to inflation and deflation of a pneumatic tourniquet
• Relate these physiologic responses to local and systemic complications that have been reported for patients who have undergone pneumatic tourniquet-assisted procedures
• List patient-specific and practice-specific risk factors for complications related to pneumatic tourniquet use