What is one possible indicator of an arterial inflow issue during a rapid scan of a patient?

Pale or white distal extremities can indicate an arterial inflow issue because this symptom arises from inadequate blood supply to the affected area. When blood flow is compromised, the extremities may lose color due to insufficient oxygenated blood reaching the tissues. This can occur in cases of arterial injuries or conditions that obstruct blood flow.

Observing the color of the skin is a vital part of a rapid assessment, as it can provide immediate insights into the vascular status of a limb. In contrast, bruising around the joints, excessive swelling, or visible lacerations might suggest other types of injuries or conditions but do not specifically indicate a problem with arterial blood flow. They may suggest soft tissue injury or inflammatory responses but lack the immediate implications for vascular compromise that pale or white distal extremities present.