Normal capillary refill time in adults is under how many seconds?

Normal capillary refill time in adults is under how many seconds?

• A. 0.5 seconds.
• B. 1 second.
• C. Under 2 seconds.
• D. 3 seconds.

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is a quick bedside check of peripheral perfusion. You blanch the nail bed briefly and then release to see how fast color returns. In adults, the normal CRT is under 2 seconds. If it takes longer, it can indicate reduced peripheral perfusion, which may occur with dehydration, shock, or cold vasoconstriction. The correct choice reflects this upper limit, under 2 seconds. Values like 0.5 or 1 second are also normal but don’t specify the threshold, while 3 seconds is clearly prolonged.

Capillary refill time is a quick bedside check of peripheral perfusion. You blanch the nail bed briefly and then release to see how fast color returns. In adults, the normal CRT is under 2 seconds. If it takes longer, it can indicate reduced peripheral perfusion, which may occur with dehydration, shock, or cold vasoconstriction. The correct choice reflects this upper limit, under 2 seconds. Values like 0.5 or 1 second are also normal but don’t specify the threshold, while 3 seconds is clearly prolonged.