Vital Signs - Pulse

What is the pulse?

• The pressure of the blood felt against the wall of an artery as the heart contracts and relaxes.

• The sound of the heart beating.

• The movement of blood through veins.

• The electrical activity of the heart.

The pulse is more easily felt in arteries that lie close to the skin and can be pressed against a bone by the fingers.

• The pulse is more easily felt in arteries that lie close to the skin and can be pressed against a bone by the fingers.

• The pulse is more easily felt in veins that lie deep within the body and cannot be pressed against a bone.

• The pulse is more easily felt in arteries that are located far from the skin and cannot be pressed against a bone.

• The pulse is more easily felt in veins that lie close to the skin and can be pressed against a bone by the fingers.

Where is the Temporal pulse site located?

• On either side of the head.

• On the wrist.

• On the neck.

• On the ankle.

Where is the Carotid pulse site located?

• At the neck on either side of the trachea.

• On the wrist near the base of the thumb.

• On the inside of the elbow.

• On the top of the foot.

Where is the Brachial pulse site located?

• At the inner of forearm at the antecubital space.

• On the thumb side of the wrist.

• On the top of the foot.

• Behind the knee.

Where is the Radial pulse site located?

• At the inner aspect of the wrist above the thumb.

• On the upper arm near the shoulder.

• At the side of the neck below the jawline.

• On the top of the foot near the ankle.

Where is the femoral pulse located?

• The femoral pulse is located at the inner aspect of the upper thigh where the thigh joins with the trunk of the body.

• The femoral pulse is located on the outer side of the ankle.

• The femoral pulse is located on the wrist, near the base of the thumb.

• The femoral pulse is located on the neck, beside the windpipe.

Where is the popliteal pulse located?

• The popliteal pulse is located behind the knee.

• The popliteal pulse is located on the wrist.

• The popliteal pulse is located on the neck.

• The popliteal pulse is located on the ankle.

Where is the dorsalis pedis or pedal pulse located?

• The dorsalis pedis or pedal pulse is located at the top of each foot.

• The dorsalis pedis or pedal pulse is located behind the knee.

• The dorsalis pedis or pedal pulse is located on the inner side of the wrist.

• The dorsalis pedis or pedal pulse is located at the base of the neck.

Where is the posterior tibial pulse located?

• The posterior tibial pulse is located just below and behind the medial malleolus (the bony part of the ankle on the inner side of the leg).

• The posterior tibial pulse is located on the top of the foot near the toes.

• The posterior tibial pulse is located on the outer side of the ankle.

• The posterior tibial pulse is located at the back of the knee.