The most commonly used pulse site for routine adult vital signs is the:

Explanation

The radial pulse is the standard for routine adult vital signs—accessible, comfortable, and reliable. Carotid (a) is used in emergencies for adults and may cause a vagal response when both sides are compressed; femoral (d) is used in code situations or vascular checks; pedal/dorsalis pedis (c) checks lower-extremity circulation. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two if the rhythm is regular; count a full 60 seconds if the rhythm is irregular or when an apical-radial deficit check is needed.