Which of the following is a typical feature of frostbite?

Which of the following is a typical feature of frostbite?

• A. Normal capillary refill
• B. Hyperthermia
• C. Delayed capillary refill or absent
• D. Rapid pulse

Answer: (C)

Frostbite injures tissue from freezing, which causes intense vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the affected area. That diminished perfusion shows up as a delayed or absent capillary refill when you press on the skin, which is a typical sign of frostbite. The skin may feel numb, look pale or waxy, and be very cold to the touch—these features reflect the poor blood supply to the frozen tissue. Normal capillary refill would mean perfusion is preserved, which isn’t characteristic of frostbite. Hyperthermia doesn’t fit because frostbitten tissue is cold, not warm. A rapid pulse can occur with many conditions but isn’t a defining feature of frostbite itself.

Frostbite injures tissue from freezing, which causes intense vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the affected area. That diminished perfusion shows up as a delayed or absent capillary refill when you press on the skin, which is a typical sign of frostbite. The skin may feel numb, look pale or waxy, and be very cold to the touch—these features reflect the poor blood supply to the frozen tissue.

Normal capillary refill would mean perfusion is preserved, which isn’t characteristic of frostbite. Hyperthermia doesn’t fit because frostbitten tissue is cold, not warm. A rapid pulse can occur with many conditions but isn’t a defining feature of frostbite itself.