Which physical finding indicates poor peripheral perfusion in shock?

Which physical finding indicates poor peripheral perfusion in shock?

• A. Normal capillary refill
• B. Delayed capillary refill
• C. Warm, well perfused skin
• D. Petechial rash

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that capillary refill time reflects how well the skin is being perfused. In shock, the body shunts blood toward core organs and away from the skin, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and slower return of color after blanching. If you press on a nail bed and the color returns after more than about two seconds, that indicates poor peripheral perfusion and ongoing hypoperfusion that needs attention. Normal capillary refill means perfusion to the skin is adequate. Warm, well‑perfused skin implies good peripheral blood flow, not poor perfusion. A petechial rash isn’t a measure of perfusion itself—it signals possible infection or coagulation issues, which may coexist with shock but don’t indicate peripheral perfusion status by themselves.

The key idea is that capillary refill time reflects how well the skin is being perfused. In shock, the body shunts blood toward core organs and away from the skin, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and slower return of color after blanching. If you press on a nail bed and the color returns after more than about two seconds, that indicates poor peripheral perfusion and ongoing hypoperfusion that needs attention.

Normal capillary refill means perfusion to the skin is adequate. Warm, well‑perfused skin implies good peripheral blood flow, not poor perfusion. A petechial rash isn’t a measure of perfusion itself—it signals possible infection or coagulation issues, which may coexist with shock but don’t indicate peripheral perfusion status by themselves.