What is considered a normal capillary refill time?

• A. Less than 5 seconds
• B. Less than 3 seconds
• C. Less than 2 seconds
• D. Less than 1 second

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is an important clinical indicator used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. A normal capillary refill time indicates that blood circulation to the capillaries is adequate. Typically, a normal capillary refill time is considered to be less than 2 seconds. This means that when pressure is applied to a nail bed or the skin until it blanches, the color should return to normal within this timeframe once the pressure is released.

If the return of color takes longer than 2 seconds, it may suggest issues such as poor peripheral perfusion, dehydration, or other circulatory problems. It's important to evaluate capillary refill time in conjunction with other vital signs and clinical findings for a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s circulatory health.