Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What part of the body should be used to check capillary refill for circulation?

1. Toes

2. Fingernails

3. Earlobe

4. Forehead

The correct answer is: Fingernails

Capillary refill is an important clinical assessment that helps in evaluating peripheral circulation. The most commonly used body part for checking capillary refill is the fingernails. This area is easily accessible and has a good supply of capillaries close to the surface of the skin, making it a reliable site to observe the return of blood flow. When checking capillary refill, pressure is applied to the fingernail until it blanches (loses color), and then the time taken for color to return is measured. A normal capillary refill time is typically less than two seconds, indicating good circulation. The fingernails are preferred because they are generally more sensitive to changes in blood flow compared to other parts of the body. While other options, such as the toes or earlobe, can also be used to check capillary refill, the fingernails are the most widely accepted standard method in clinical practice. The forehead is not typically used for this assessment because its vascularity is different and it does not provide a reliable indication of peripheral circulatory status.