What are the signs of inadequate perfusion?

The signs of inadequate perfusion include altered mental status, prolonged capillary refill, and hypotension.

Altered mental status can indicate that the brain is not receiving enough blood flow and oxygen, which affects cognitive function and responsiveness. Prolonged capillary refill time is a useful indicator of peripheral blood flow – typically, capillary refill should be less than two seconds in a healthy individual. A prolonged refill suggests that blood is not adequately circulating to the extremities, pointing to potential hypoperfusion. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, often signifies that the body is not effectively circulating blood, which can result from a variety of conditions such as shock or severe dehydration. Together, these signs indicate that the body's tissues may not be receiving the necessary oxygen and nutrients, highlighting inadequate perfusion. This understanding is critical in emergency medicine for timely intervention and management of potentially life-threatening conditions.