Which is a normal capillary refill time?

Which is a normal capillary refill time?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 0 seconds
• C. 2 seconds
• D. 1 second

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is a quick check of peripheral perfusion. You press on a nail bed until it blanches, then release and watch how long until color returns. A normal refill time is about two seconds or less, indicating adequate blood flow to the capillaries. Five seconds is longer than normal and suggests delayed perfusion. Zero seconds isn’t realistic because color needs a moment to return. One second is within normal limits, but two seconds best reflects the commonly accepted normal threshold used in practice, so it matches the expected standard most nurses apply in assessment.

Capillary refill time is a quick check of peripheral perfusion. You press on a nail bed until it blanches, then release and watch how long until color returns. A normal refill time is about two seconds or less, indicating adequate blood flow to the capillaries.

Five seconds is longer than normal and suggests delayed perfusion. Zero seconds isn’t realistic because color needs a moment to return. One second is within normal limits, but two seconds best reflects the commonly accepted normal threshold used in practice, so it matches the expected standard most nurses apply in assessment.