Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

If capillary refill time is greater than what duration, the patient is considered immediate?

1. 5 seconds

2. 10 seconds

3. 2 seconds

4. 3 seconds

The correct answer is: 2 seconds

In the context of assessing capillary refill time, a duration that exceeds 2 seconds indicates a potential disruption in peripheral perfusion, which could suggest serious underlying issues such as shock or dehydration. Normal capillary refill time is generally accepted as 2 seconds or less in a healthy adult. When the capillary refill time extends beyond this threshold, it can signify that the patient's circulatory system is not ensuring adequate blood flow to the extremities, warranting urgent medical attention. In trauma or emergency situations, identifying patients with prolonged capillary refill time is crucial, as they may require immediate intervention to stabilize their condition.