Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 73 of 200
The most commonly used pulse site for routine adult vital signs is the:
a.Carotid pulse
b.Femoral pulse
c.Pedal pulse
d.Radial pulse, at the thumb side of the wrist, counted for 30 or 60 seconds
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 (b) 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.
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