How is capillary refill time commonly assessed?

Capillary refill time is assessed by pressing on a fingernail, which temporarily occludes blood flow to the nail bed. Once pressure is released, the time it takes for the color to return to the nail is measured. A normal capillary refill time is typically less than two seconds, indicating good peripheral perfusion and adequate blood flow. This method is commonly used in clinical settings because it is quick, easy to assess, and provides valuable information about a patient's circulatory status.

The other options, while relevant to patient assessment, do not provide the specific evaluation of capillary refill. Measuring pulse rate reflects heart function and circulation but does not directly indicate peripheral perfusion. Observing skin temperature can offer insights into the overall circulation and environmental factors but does not specifically measure capillary refill time. Checking blood pressure assesses systemic arterial pressure, which is important for overall cardiovascular evaluation but unrelated to the measurement of capillary refill.