Checking for signs of circulation involves looking for which of the following?

• A. breathing rate
• B. tingling sensations in the hands and feet
• C. skin color
• D. pulse strength

Answer: (B)

When you're checking for signs of circulation, you’re looking for evidence that blood is moving through the body. The clearest sign is the presence and strength of a pulse—feeling a heartbeat and noting whether it’s strong or weak tells you if circulation is ongoing. If a pulse is present and reasonably strong, circulation is continuing; a weak or absent pulse suggests compromised or no circulation.

Breathing rate is about breathing, not blood flow, so it doesn’t indicate circulation. Tingling sensations in the hands and feet aren’t a reliable sign of circulation. Skin color can give a hint about perfusion, but it can be affected by many factors and isn’t as direct a measure as the actual pulse strength.