In which part of the assessment would you check capillary refill time?

Capillary refill time is a vital sign used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. It is commonly evaluated during the peripheral vascular assessment, which focuses on the blood flow and circulation to the limbs. By pressing on a nail bed or the skin, healthcare providers can observe how quickly color returns to the area once pressure is released; normal capillary refill time is typically less than two seconds. This assessment gives insights into cardiovascular health and can help identify potential issues such as shock or peripheral vascular disease.

The other assessments focus on different body systems: the neurological assessment evaluates cognitive function and neurological integrity; the respiratory assessment focuses on lung function and breathing patterns; and the abdominal assessment examines the gastrointestinal organs and may include palpation for tenderness or organ size. Each of these areas has its own specific indicators and techniques, thus capillary refill is distinctly tied to vascular status rather than the other systems.