Final answer:
The apical pulse is measured at the apex of the heart and is a more accurate assessment in cases of irregular pulse rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EKG technician recording a patient's radial pulse rate has found it to be irregular. The provider opted to assess the patient's apical pulse for a more accurate heart rate. The apical pulse is located at the apex of the heart, and this is the correct location used for apical pulse assessment. The radial pulse is measured at the radial artery, the brachial pulse at the brachial artery, and the carotid pulse at the carotid artery; however, the apical pulse requires auscultation over the apex of the heart, typically done with a stethoscope. The apical pulse is considered more reliable when pulses are irregular, as it measures the actual contractions of the heart.