Lower extremity arterial disease assessment KF Murphy, K Irshad, A Sinha, and DB Reid

Palpation Capillary refill is affected by room temperature, cardiac output, and shock, and is not the most reliable indication of perfusion especially in an acutely ill patient. It should be assessed by pressure on the pulp of the great toe. Normal capillary refill takes < 2 seconds. The abdomen must be palpated for the presence of an occult aortic aneurysm. Palpation and documentation of all pulses in the arms and legs is necessary for a full assessment.