Capillary refill time is used to assess peripheral perfusion; what is considered normal capillary refill time in adults?

Capillary refill time is used to assess peripheral perfusion; what is considered normal capillary refill time in adults?

• A. Cardiac function; normal is under 1 second.
• B. Oxygen saturation; normal is above 95%.
• C. Peripheral perfusion; normal capillary refill is under 2 seconds in adults.
• D. Blood pressure; normal refill is under 120/80.

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is a quick bedside check of peripheral perfusion. After blanching the nail bed, normal color return in adults is within about 2 seconds. This reflects adequate arterial inflow and microvascular perfusion; when perfusion is compromised, the color takes longer to return. The other items describe different measurements—cardiac function, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure—and are not what capillary refill time directly assesses. Prolonged refill (>2 seconds) can indicate reduced peripheral perfusion from dehydration, shock, hypothermia, or vasoconstriction.

Capillary refill time is a quick bedside check of peripheral perfusion. After blanching the nail bed, normal color return in adults is within about 2 seconds. This reflects adequate arterial inflow and microvascular perfusion; when perfusion is compromised, the color takes longer to return. The other items describe different measurements—cardiac function, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure—and are not what capillary refill time directly assesses. Prolonged refill (>2 seconds) can indicate reduced peripheral perfusion from dehydration, shock, hypothermia, or vasoconstriction.