What should not be done to a tourniquet that has been in place for more than 6 hours?

When a tourniquet has been in place for more than 6 hours, it is critical to avoid removing it without proper monitoring. This is because prolonged tourniquet application can lead to complications such as muscle and nerve damage or loss of limb viability. Therefore, when considering the removal of the tourniquet, it should only be done in a controlled environment, ideally in a medical facility, where the patient can be closely monitored for signs of bleeding or other complications.

Removing the tourniquet in an uncontrolled setting without monitoring increases the risk of severe re-bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Signs such as tachycardia, hypotension, or changes in mental status may indicate that the tourniquet needs to remain in place until definitive medical care can be provided.

Other options involve actions that may be appropriate in certain situations but can complicate or worsen a critical condition when the tourniquet has already been compromised by extended application.