In infants, capillary refill time should return to normal within:

In infants, capillary refill time should return to normal within:

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

Answer: (A)

Capillary refill time is a quick measure of peripheral perfusion in infants. To check it, press on a nail bed (or a skin area) until it blanches, then release and observe how quickly color returns. In healthy infants, the color should come back within about two seconds. If it takes longer, it suggests reduced perfusion or dehydration, which can indicate hypovolemia or shock. Values much faster than two seconds aren’t typically used as a standard, while three or more seconds indicate delayed perfusion. So, two seconds is the normal threshold.

Capillary refill time is a quick measure of peripheral perfusion in infants. To check it, press on a nail bed (or a skin area) until it blanches, then release and observe how quickly color returns. In healthy infants, the color should come back within about two seconds. If it takes longer, it suggests reduced perfusion or dehydration, which can indicate hypovolemia or shock. Values much faster than two seconds aren’t typically used as a standard, while three or more seconds indicate delayed perfusion. So, two seconds is the normal threshold.