Which site is commonly used to check a pulse in CPR protocols?

Which site is commonly used to check a pulse in CPR protocols?

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

Answer: (A)

In CPR, you check for a pulse to see if there’s circulation. The carotid artery in the neck is used because it’s large and close to the heart, so a strong pulse is easier to feel quickly even when blood flow is reduced. If you detect a pulse there, you pause chest compressions and monitor; if not, you continue compressions. The other sites—radial (wrist), brachial (arm), and femoral (groin)—are not as reliable for a rapid pulse check in an unresponsive person, because the pulse can be hard to feel when perfusion is low or while the patient is on the back.

In CPR, you check for a pulse to see if there’s circulation. The carotid artery in the neck is used because it’s large and close to the heart, so a strong pulse is easier to feel quickly even when blood flow is reduced. If you detect a pulse there, you pause chest compressions and monitor; if not, you continue compressions. The other sites—radial (wrist), brachial (arm), and femoral (groin)—are not as reliable for a rapid pulse check in an unresponsive person, because the pulse can be hard to feel when perfusion is low or while the patient is on the back.