When preparing an IV site, what is the purpose of applying a tourniquet?

Applying a tourniquet serves the primary purpose of engorging the veins, making them more prominent and visible for easier access. By restricting venous blood flow, the tourniquet causes the veins to fill with blood, thus making them easier to palpate and visualize during the process of intravenous insertion. This is particularly important in patients with smaller or deeper veins, where visibility can be a challenge.

Using a tourniquet effectively enhances the healthcare professional’s ability to locate a suitable vein for cannulation, which is crucial for the success of the procedure. The other options, while related to the overall process of preparing an IV site, do not accurately represent the specific function of the tourniquet in this context. For instance, sterilization is achieved through antiseptic techniques rather than the application of a tourniquet, and preventing bleeding post-insertion involves different methods such as applying pressure rather than restricting blood flow prior to insertion. Additionally, warming the skin can assist with insertion but is not the primary purpose of a tourniquet.