Final answer:
Capillary refill time refers to the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure is applied and then released. Several factors can increase capillary refill time. Normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds, while prolonged capillary refill time may indicate poor circulation or underlying health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Capillary refill time refers to the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure is applied to the skin and then released. It is an important indicator of peripheral perfusion and can be used to assess circulatory function. Several factors can increase capillary refill time, including dehydration, poor blood circulation, hypovolemia (low blood volume), and hypothermia (low body temperature).
The normal capillary refill time is generally less than 2 seconds in a healthy individual. This means that the color should return to the skin within 2 seconds after pressure is released.
Prolonged capillary refill time, which is longer than 2 seconds, may indicate poor circulation, reduced blood volume, or other underlying health conditions such as shock or cardiovascular problems. It is important to seek medical attention if capillary refill time is prolonged.