Major Arterial Pulse Points: Locations and Clinical Uses

Key arterial pulse points for clinical assessment:

1. Radial Artery

• Location: Lateral wrist, distal to radius styloid (thumb side).
• Use: Routine vital signs, cardiac arrest monitoring, arterial line placement, Allen's test.

2. Brachial Artery

• Location: Medial upper arm, medial to biceps tendon, antecubital fossa.
• Use: Blood pressure measurement (cuff), infant CPR, arterial access.

3. Femoral Artery

• Location: Groin, midway between ASIC and pubic tubercle, below inguinal ligament.
• Use: Cardiac arrest (central pulse), arterial line, angiography access, peripheral vascular exam.

4. Carotid Artery

• Location: Neck, between trachea and sternocleidomastoid, at thyroid cartilage level (C3–C4).
• Use: Cardiac arrest (central pulse), stroke assessment, hemodynamics in shock. Palpate one side only.

Additional Pulse Points

• Popliteal: Behind knee (PAD exam).
• Posterior Tibial: Behind medial malleolus (foot perfusion).
• Dorsalis Pedis: Dorsum of foot (lateral to extensor hallucis longus).
• Temporal: Temple (giant cell arteritis, pediatric).
• Ulnar: Medial wrist (Allen's test).

Assessment Technique

Use 2–3 fingertips (not thumb). Grade: 0 (absent), 1+ (weak), 2+ (normal), 3+ (bounding). Compare bilaterally.