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Multiple Choice

Capillary refill is slower under which conditions?

Capillary refill time reflects how quickly blood returns to the capillary beds after pressure is released, so it tells you about peripheral perfusion. Temperature and age influence this: in cold environments the vessels constrict to conserve heat, which slows the return of color. In elderly individuals, vascular changes and reduced microcirculatory reserve slow refill as well. So capillary refill is slower under cold conditions or in older adults. By contrast, hot environments promote vasodilation and exercise increases overall blood flow, which tend to make refill faster, while a meal doesn’t have a consistent, direct effect on this measure.

Capillary refill time reflects how quickly blood returns to the capillary beds after pressure is released, so it tells you about peripheral perfusion. Temperature and age influence this: in cold environments the vessels constrict to conserve heat, which slows the return of color. In elderly individuals, vascular changes and reduced microcirculatory reserve slow refill as well. So capillary refill is slower under cold conditions or in older adults. By contrast, hot environments promote vasodilation and exercise increases overall blood flow, which tend to make refill faster, while a meal doesn’t have a consistent, direct effect on this measure.