Final answer:
The apical pulse is the type of pulse most commonly obtained using a stethoscope, as it involves auscultation at the heart's apex to assess cardiac function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of pulse most commonly obtained using a stethoscope is the apical pulse. While the radial, brachial, and popliteal pulses are typically palpated manually, the apical pulse is auscultated using a stethoscope. It is important in assessing the state of a patient's heart through a process called auscultation. A clinician listens to the heart sounds at the apex of the heart, which is located at the bottom of the heart, usually under the left nipple.
When measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, a clinician may also use a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds. This is done over the brachial artery, indicating the systolic and diastolic pressures as the cuff deflates. However, this is distinct from measuring pulse type, which, in the context of stethoscope use, refers to the apical pulse.