Which finding indicates good skin hydration?

Which finding indicates good skin hydration?

• A. Capillary refill 5 seconds
• B. Capillary refill 1-2 seconds
• C. Dry, flaky skin
• D. Persistent skin tenting

Answer: (B)

Quick capillary refill reflects adequate circulating blood flow and tissue hydration. When the nails are pressed, the color should return within about 1–2 seconds, indicating good perfusion and hydration. A refill time of 5 seconds is much too slow and signals reduced perfusion or dehydration. Dry, flaky skin and persistent skin tenting point to dehydration and loss of skin turgor, not good hydration. So the finding of a normal 1–2 second capillary refill best indicates the skin is well hydrated.

Quick capillary refill reflects adequate circulating blood flow and tissue hydration. When the nails are pressed, the color should return within about 1–2 seconds, indicating good perfusion and hydration. A refill time of 5 seconds is much too slow and signals reduced perfusion or dehydration. Dry, flaky skin and persistent skin tenting point to dehydration and loss of skin turgor, not good hydration. So the finding of a normal 1–2 second capillary refill best indicates the skin is well hydrated.