Delayed capillary refill is indicated when color returns in more than 3 seconds.

Delayed capillary refill is indicated when color returns in more than 3 seconds.

• A. More than 3 seconds
• B. Less than 3 seconds
• C. Exactly 3 seconds
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Capillary refill time shows how quickly blood returns to the capillaries after blanching the nail bed. You press until it blanches, then release and observe how fast color comes back. Normal refill is typically under about 2 seconds (often considered under 3 seconds in some guidelines). If the color returns after more than about 3 seconds, that is delayed and suggests reduced peripheral perfusion, which can be due to dehydration, hypovolemia, shock, or cold-induced vasoconstriction. It’s a quick bedside screen, but factors like temperature, lighting, age, and edema can affect results, so it should be considered with other perfusion signs. Therefore, color returning in more than 3 seconds correctly indicates delayed capillary refill.

Capillary refill time shows how quickly blood returns to the capillaries after blanching the nail bed. You press until it blanches, then release and observe how fast color comes back. Normal refill is typically under about 2 seconds (often considered under 3 seconds in some guidelines). If the color returns after more than about 3 seconds, that is delayed and suggests reduced peripheral perfusion, which can be due to dehydration, hypovolemia, shock, or cold-induced vasoconstriction. It’s a quick bedside screen, but factors like temperature, lighting, age, and edema can affect results, so it should be considered with other perfusion signs. Therefore, color returning in more than 3 seconds correctly indicates delayed capillary refill.