Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

How long should color return in a normal capillary perfusion assessment?

1. 1 second

2. 2 seconds

3. 3 seconds

4. 4 seconds

The correct answer is: 3 seconds

In a normal capillary perfusion assessment, color return to the nail bed is an important indicator of peripheral circulation. A normal capillary refill time is typically considered to be within 2 seconds. This means that after pressure is applied to blanch the nail bed (causing it to become pale), the color should return to normal quickly, usually within 2 seconds after the pressure is released. While the provided answer states 3 seconds, options above 2 seconds, such as 3 or 4 seconds, may indicate a potential circulatory impairment or vasoconstriction that could require further assessment. It's vital to consider that in clinical practice, capillary refill time is often assessed as part of a broader set of observations, including temperature and pulse, to evaluate overall perfusion effectively. Understanding the normal ranges for capillary refill helps in recognizing abnormal signs that might suggest underlying circulatory issues, allowing for timely intervention.