tourniquet /tur″nikit, to͝or″-/ [Fr, turnstile] , a device used in controlling hemorrhage, consisting of a wide constricting band applied to the limb close to the site of bleeding. The use of a tourniquet is a drastic measure and is to be used only if the hemorrhage is life-threatening and if other safer measures have proved ineffective. A tourniquet is also used routinely to distend veins before venipuncture. See also hemorrhage.
