Which tool can be utilized to assess the severity of bleeding during triage?

The capillary refill test is an effective tool for assessing the severity of bleeding during triage because it provides a quick evaluation of peripheral circulation and can indicate the body's response to blood loss. In a situation where there is significant bleeding, capillary refill time—typically measured by pressing on a fingernail or the pad of a finger—can reveal whether blood flow is being adequately maintained. A normal capillary refill time is generally less than 2 seconds; if the time exceeds this, it may suggest shock or significant blood loss, prompting the need for immediate intervention.

In contrast, the Glasgow Coma Scale is primarily used to assess a patient's level of consciousness following a brain injury, rather than focusing on bleeding. The pain assessment scale quantifies pain level, which is not directly correlated with bleeding severity. The AVPU scale—Alert, Verbal response, Pain response, Unresponsive—serves to evaluate responsiveness but does not directly assess circulatory status or bleeding. Therefore, the capillary refill test is the most relevant tool for assessing the severity of bleeding during triage situations.