When you assess capillary refill time in an infant, normal color should return within:

• A. 1 second
• B. 3 seconds
• C. 2 seconds
• D. 4 seconds

Answer: (C)

Capillary refill time is a quick check of peripheral perfusion. You blanch a small area (such as the chest or nail bed) by pressing firmly, then release and watch how fast the color returns. In an infant, normal refill should occur within about two seconds, which indicates adequate blood flow to the extremities. If the color takes longer to come back, it signals reduced perfusion and could point to dehydration, shock, or other circulatory compromise. Times around three or four seconds show a delay and are concerning, while one second is faster than typical guidance. So, returning within two seconds is the best indicator of normal perfusion in an infant.