Question

A client suddenly becomes unresponsive during dental treatment. One of the steps the dental hygienist must take before administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to check the pulse by palpating which of the following arteries?

1) Carotid artery
2) Femoral artery
3) Radial artery
4) Brachial artery

Answer 1

To check for a pulse before administering CPR, a dental hygienist should palpate the carotid artery, as it's a major artery that provides a reliable indication of blood flow to the brain in emergency situations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a dental hygienist must check the pulse by palpating the carotid artery. This is because the carotid artery is a major artery that provides a strong and palpable pulse, especially in an emergency when the client becomes unresponsive during dental treatment.

The carotid artery is chosen over other arteries such as the radial or brachial artery because it is more accessible and reliable for detecting a pulse in an unresponsive adult. In addition, detecting a pulse at the carotid artery can provide quick information about the blood flow to the brain, which is crucial in a cardiac emergency.