Drapes required for Leg/hip. Which item is used to cover the tourniquet if one is used?

Drapes required for Leg/hip. Which item is used to cover the tourniquet if one is used?

• A. Surgical towel to cover tourniquet if used
• B. Bottom drape
• C. Two split or U-drapes
• D. Fenestrated top sheet

Answer: (A)

Covering the tourniquet with a sterile barrier is essential to maintain asepsis when a tourniquet is used on the leg. A sterile towel placed over the tourniquet creates that barrier between non-sterile equipment and the sterile field, preventing contamination of the incision area and surrounding drapes. This simple step also helps secure the tourniquet and keeps it from becoming a source of loose contamination as the drapes are positioned. Other draping items serve broader roles in forming the sterile field or isolating the operative area, but they don’t specifically address covering the tourniquet itself. A fenestrated top sheet exposes the surgical site while leaving surrounding areas covered; bottom drapes and two split or U-drapes help configure the limb’s coverage and access, but they don’t replace the need to shield the tourniquet with a sterile barrier.

Covering the tourniquet with a sterile barrier is essential to maintain asepsis when a tourniquet is used on the leg. A sterile towel placed over the tourniquet creates that barrier between non-sterile equipment and the sterile field, preventing contamination of the incision area and surrounding drapes. This simple step also helps secure the tourniquet and keeps it from becoming a source of loose contamination as the drapes are positioned.

Other draping items serve broader roles in forming the sterile field or isolating the operative area, but they don’t specifically address covering the tourniquet itself. A fenestrated top sheet exposes the surgical site while leaving surrounding areas covered; bottom drapes and two split or U-drapes help configure the limb’s coverage and access, but they don’t replace the need to shield the tourniquet with a sterile barrier.