Question

List the different sites that can be used to check a patient’s pulse. What are the risks and benefits of checking the pulse at each site? (typed please)

Answer 1

The pulse may palpated in any place that allows an artery to be compressed near thesurface of the body .

Upper limb-

Axillary pulse-located inferiorly of thw lateral wall of the axialla.

Brachial pulse-located on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow

Radial pulse-located on the lateral of the wrist

Ulnar pulse-located on the medial of the wrist

Lower limb-

Femoral pulse-located in the inner thigh at the mid inguinal point

Popliteal pulse-above the knee in the popliteal fissa found by holding the bent knee

Dorsalis pedis pulse-located on top of the foot immediately lateral ti the extensor of hallucia longus

Tibialis posterior pulse-located on the medaial side of the ankle, 2cm inferior and 2 cm posterior to the medial malleolus

Head neck-

Carotid pulse located in the neck (carotid artery)

Facial pulse-located on the mandible

Temporal pulse-located on the temple directly in front of thw ear