Which of the following is NOT a reliable indicator of hypoperfusion?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Skin temperature
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Oxygen saturation

Answer: (D)

Assessing hypoperfusion focuses on signs that reflect how well tissues are receiving blood flow, not just how well blood is oxygenated. Capillary refill time and skin temperature are direct clues to peripheral perfusion: a slow refill and cool, clammy skin point to reduced blood flow. Tachycardia is a compensatory response that helps maintain tissue perfusion when circulation is compromised.

Oxygen saturation, while important for gauging oxygenation, does not reliably indicate perfusion. A normal SpO2 can occur even when tissues aren’t being adequately perfused—especially if the patient is on supplemental oxygen or if readings come from a well-perfused area despite overall poor circulation. Therefore SpO2 isn’t a dependable marker of hypoperfusion, whereas the other signs more directly reflect how well blood is reaching the tissues.