Final answer:
The pedal pulse is checked at the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial arteries in the feet to assess peripheral circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To check the pedal pulse, you would assess the pulse in the feet, specifically at the dorsalis pedis artery or the posterior tibial artery. These sites are part of the peripheral circulation system, and checking the pedal pulse is a common way to determine the adequacy of peripheral circulation.
Palpating these pulses can provide important information about the blood flow to the lower extremities, which is particularly important in diagnoses such as peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, compared to the blood pressure at the upper arm, in peripheral artery disease, the blood pressure at the ankle is typically lower than the blood pressure at the upper arm.