What is the purpose of a tourniquet in the IV insertion process?

The purpose of a tourniquet during the IV insertion process is primarily to engorge the veins, making them more visible and palpable. When a tourniquet is applied above the site of venipuncture, it temporarily occludes venous return while maintaining arterial flow. This causes the veins to fill with blood, leading to swelling and making them more prominent. As a result, the healthcare provider can more easily identify a suitable vein for the insertion of the IV catheter. This increased visibility and palpability improve the chances of successful venous access on the first attempt, which is key to minimizing patient discomfort and procedure time.

Other considerations, such as pain reduction, stabilization, or preventing bleeding, are not the primary functions of a tourniquet. While it's true that proper technique can help minimize pain and bleeding, these outcomes are not directly achieved through the tourniquet's function, which is mainly focused on enhancing venous access.