A pulse is felt just over the arteries lying beneath the surface of the skin.
The temporal pulse is assessed on the temporal bone, lateral to the eye.
The carotid pulse is palpable along the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
The apical pulse site is auscultated at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.
The brachial pulse is felt at the antecubital fossa, between the grooves of the biceps and triceps muscles on the inner aspect of the elbow.
The radial pulse is the common site felt on the wrist near the base of the thumb.
The ulnar pulse is found on the wrist's inner side in line with the fourth and fifth metacarpals.
The femoral pulse is felt below the inguinal ligament.
The popliteal pulse is felt behind the knee in the popliteal fossa.
The dorsalis pedis pulse is assessed on the top of the foot, between the great and second toe extensor tendons.
The posterior tibial pulse is assessed below the medial malleolus on the inner side of the ankle.
Pulse assessment sites are crucial in evaluating a patient's cardiovascular health. By assessing the pulsations of arteries at specific anatomical locations, healthcare professionals can gather valuable information about blood flow, heart rate, and peripheral circulation. Understanding these pulse assessment sites is essential for conducting comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations and monitoring patients' overall health. These sites are strategically chosen due to the accessibility and proximity of major arteries to the body's surface. Here are some commonly utilized pulse assessment sites:
Understanding these pulse assessment sites is essential for healthcare professionals to conduct comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations and monitor patients' overall health. Each site's unique purpose contributes to a thorough understanding of the circulatory system.