How should a stump be treated after applying a tourniquet?

After applying a tourniquet, it is crucial to effectively manage the stump to prevent further complications and promote healing. Dressing and bandaging the stump serves multiple important purposes. It helps protect the wound from contamination and infection, which is especially critical in traumatic injuries. Covering the stump with a sterile dressing also aids in controlling any residual bleeding and provides a barrier that can absorb any drainage, should it occur.

Keeping the area clean and secure is vital in emergency medical situations. The dressing should be applied firmly but not so tightly that it interferes with circulation beyond the site of the injury. This approach ensures that the injured area remains stabilized while the tourniquet controls blood loss.

While other options suggest various methods of care, they do not provide the necessary protective and supportive measures that a proper dressing and bandaging technique afford. Leaving the stump uncovered or rinsing it with water would expose it to the risk of infections and complications, and spraying it with antiseptic might not create a sufficient barrier or support the healing process adequately. Thus, dressing and bandaging the stump is the best practice following tourniquet application.