Capillary refill time indicative of shock is described as which?

• A. Less than 2 seconds
• B. More than 2 seconds
• C. Exactly 2 seconds
• D. No refill

Answer: (B)

Capillary refill time is a quick bedside check of peripheral perfusion. In children, a normal refill is under 2 seconds. When refill is prolonged—more than 2 seconds—it indicates reduced peripheral blood flow, which is consistent with shock or significant circulatory compromise. So, describing capillary refill as more than 2 seconds best fits the idea of shock. The other options don’t fit as well: less than 2 seconds is normal perfusion, exactly 2 seconds is not a clear indicator, and no refill would be an extreme finding not typically used as the standard descriptor for early shock assessment. Remember that ambient temperature, lighting, age, and how long you apply pressure can affect the measurement, so use it alongside other signs like mental status, heart rate, and blood pressure.