Question

When determining a patient's pulse rate, which fingers should be placed over the radial artery?

a) Index and middle fingers
b) Thumb and index finger
c) Ring and little fingers
d) Middle and ring fingers

Answer 1

When determining a patient's pulse rate, use the index and middle fingers to check the radial artery in the wrist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fingers that should be placed over the radial artery when determining a patient's pulse rate are the index and middle fingers.

According to Figure 20.11 Pulse Sites, the pulse is most readily measured at the radial artery, but can be measured at any of the pulse points shown.

In addition to the radial artery, other common sites to find a pulse include temporal and facial arteries, brachial arteries, femoral arteries, popliteal arteries, posterior tibial arteries, and dorsalis pedis arteries. However, when specifically checking the pulse rate, the radial artery in the wrist is commonly used.