If you palpate the pulse at the wrist near the thumb, which pulse is it?

• A. Radial pulse
• B. Brachial pulse
• C. Carotid pulse
• D. Ulnar pulse

Answer: (A)

The wrist pulse felt on the thumb side comes from the radial artery. This site is the standard place to check heart rate because the artery runs just under the skin on the lateral aspect of the forearm near the base of the thumb. To check it, place the index and middle fingers on the thumb-side wrist and apply light pressure until you feel a regular beat. The other pulses have different locations: the brachial pulse is in the elbow crease, the carotid pulse in the neck, and the ulnar pulse on the inner wrist toward the little finger. Make sure to use gentle pressure and, if possible, compare both wrists to assess rhythm and rate.