Table 5 Simple methods of circulatory assessment

From: Medical emergencies: the drug box, equipment and basic principles

Signs

Are the patient's hands blue or pink, cool or warm?

What is the capillary refill time?*

Pulse rate (carotid or radial artery), rhythm and strength

Symptoms

Is there a history of chest pain/does the patient report chest pain?

  1. *If pressure is applied to the finger nail to produce blanching, the colour should return in less than two seconds in a normal patient. Remember that local causes such as a cold environment could also delay the response
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