Which pulse site is commonly used to count heart rate in adults?

• A. Carotid
• B. Brachial
• C. Radial
• D. Femoral

Answer: (C)

The wrist’s radial pulse is the most practical site for counting an adult’s heart rate. It’s right at the surface, easy to locate, and you can assess the rate without moving or disturbing the patient much, which makes it convenient in most care settings. When the rhythm is regular, you can count for 30 seconds and multiply by two, but if the rhythm is irregular, counting for a full 60 seconds gives a more accurate rate.

Other sites exist for different reasons: the carotid pulse in the neck is checked when you need a quick assessment of circulation in an unresponsive patient or when a radial pulse isn’t felt; the brachial pulse on the inside of the upper arm is commonly used for infants or when taking blood pressure; the femoral pulse in the groin is used in emergencies or to assess circulation to the leg, but it’s less convenient and reliable for routine heart-rate measurement in adults.