Which term describes the action of examining by touch to assess the presence of a pulse?

Which term describes the action of examining by touch to assess the presence of a pulse?

• A. Palpate
• B. Metabolism
• C. Radial
• D. Sphygmomanometer

Answer: (A)

Palpate means to examine by touch. When checking for a pulse, you palpate an artery—commonly the radial artery at the wrist or the carotid at the neck—using your fingertips to feel whether a pulse is present and to assess its rate and rhythm. This action is distinct from metabolism, which refers to the body's chemical processes; radial describes a location (the radial artery or forearm area); and a sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure, not the act of feeling a pulse.

Palpate means to examine by touch. When checking for a pulse, you palpate an artery—commonly the radial artery at the wrist or the carotid at the neck—using your fingertips to feel whether a pulse is present and to assess its rate and rhythm. This action is distinct from metabolism, which refers to the body's chemical processes; radial describes a location (the radial artery or forearm area); and a sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure, not the act of feeling a pulse.