In infants and children, capillary refill time greater than how many seconds indicates poor peripheral perfusion?

• A. 1
• B. 3
• C. 2
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is a quick way to judge peripheral perfusion in infants and children. Under normal conditions, color returns to a pressed nail bed or fingertip in about 2 seconds. If it takes longer than that—specifically more than two seconds—it suggests poor peripheral perfusion, which can accompany dehydration, shock, or other circulatory problems. This test is simple and rapid, but factors like ambient temperature, room lighting, and how firmly you press can affect the result, so it should be interpreted as part of the overall clinical picture. Therefore, the critical threshold is two seconds: longer than two seconds indicates concern for reduced perfusion.