Which of the following are clinical indicators of changes in peripheral resistance?

• A. Lipid levels and body temperature
• B. Age and sex
• C. Capillary refill time only
• D. Blood pressure patterns, pulse pressure, ankle-brachial index, capillary refill, and signs of perfusion

Answer: (D)

Peripheral resistance shows up in how blood pressure behaves and how well blood is reaching the tissues. The best indicators combine measures of systemic and local perfusion: blood pressure patterns reveal the level of arterial resistance; pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure) reflects arterial tone and stiffness; the ankle-brachial index compares limb arterial flow to the arm and detects obstructive changes that alter resistance in the legs; capillary refill time assesses microcirculatory perfusion at the bedside; and signs of perfusion (such as skin color and temperature) give a direct sense of tissue blood flow. Together, these provide a practical picture of peripheral resistance in real time. Lipid levels and body temperature don’t directly reflect current vascular resistance, age and sex are static factors, and capillary refill time alone doesn’t capture the full picture of resistance and perfusion.