This pulse point, along with the dorsal pedis, is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment and is particularly important in patients who have peripheral vascular disease or a vascular procedure (example: heart catheterization when the femoral artery was used to assess the heart). Use two hands to palpate the artery…one hand assisting to flex the knee and the other to palpate the artery. It is located near the middle of the popliteal fossa, which is a diamond-shaped pitted area behind the knee. To find the artery, the knee should be flexed. It is a rather deep artery like the femoral. This artery is found behind the knee and comes off of the femoral artery. This artery is palpated deeply in the groin below the inguinal ligament between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine. This is a major artery found in the groin and it provides circulation to the legs.

It is found below the thumb in the wrist area along the radial bone. To find this pulse point, extend the arm out and have the palms facing upward. It is most commonly used as the site to count a heart rate in an adult. It provides circulation to the arm and hand. This is a major artery in the lower arm that comes off of the brachial artery. The pulse point is found near the top of the cubital fossa, which is a triangular area that is in front of the elbow. To find this pulse point, extend the arm and have the palms facing upward. This site is used to measure blood pressure and as a pulse check site on an infant during CPR. This is a major artery in the upper arm that divides into the radial and ulnar artery.

Go to the 5 th intercostal space at the midclavicular line and this is the apical pulse point.

Find the 2 nd intercostal space on the left side of the chest.

It is located on the left side of the chest at the 5 th intercostal space midclavicular line. The apical pulse is the point of maximal impulse and is found at the apex of the heart. Always count the pulse rate for 1 full minute with your stethoscope at this location. The pulse rate should be 60 bpm or greater in an adult before the administration of Digoxin. This site is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment and before the administration of Digoxin.

To find the carotid pulse point, tilt the head to the side and palpate below the jaw line between the trachea and sternomastoid muscle. As noted above, palpate one side at a time to prevent triggering the vagus nerve, which will decrease the heart rate and circulation to the brain. It is a major artery that supplies the neck, face, and brain. This site is most commonly used during CPR in an adult as a pulse check site. This pulse point is assessed during the head-to-toe assessment of the head. This artery comes off of the external carotid artery and is found in front of the tragus and above the zygomatic arch (cheekbone). Rhythm: is the pulse regular or irregularĩ Common Pulse Points (start from head-to-toe…this makes it easier when you have to perform this skill).NOTE: always check the carotid pulse points individually (not at the same time) to avoid stimulating the vagal response. Strength: grade the strength of the pulse and check the pulse points bilaterally and compare them.A normal pulse rate in an adult is 60-100 bpm.Always count the apical pulse for 1 full minute.Rate: count the pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if the pulse rate is regular, OR 1 full minute if the pulse rate is irregular.When you assess a pulse point you will be assessing: As a nurse you will be assessing many of these pulse points regularly, while others you will only assess at certain times. We will review 9 common pulse points on the human body.

Pedal pulse