Which statement best describes sepsis evaluation signs related to perfusion?

• A. Diminished capillary refill, cool extremities, and poor perfusion.
• B. Warm extremities with rapid capillary refill.
• C. Normal perfusion.
• D. Hypertension with bounding pulses.

Answer: (A)

Assessing tissue perfusion at the bedside is key in sepsis. Capillary refill time and skin temperature are quick clues to how well tissues are being perfused. Diminished capillary refill with cool extremities reflects reduced peripheral blood flow, signaling hypoperfusion and potential septic shock—the scenario most consistent with sepsis-related perfusion impairment.

Warm extremities with rapid capillary refill point to preserved or even excess perfusion, which doesn’t match a hypoperfusion picture. Normal perfusion wouldn’t reveal the perfusion abnormalities sepsis can cause, and hypertension with bounding pulses isn’t the typical perfusion pattern in septic states ( vasodilation often leads to lower blood pressure rather than high).