Which pulse site is located at the inner aspect of the elbow?

• A. Carotid
• B. Radial
• C. Dorsalis pedis
• D. Brachial

Answer: (D)

This item tests knowledge of pulse site locations, specifically identifying the pulse felt at the inner elbow. The pulse there is the brachial pulse, found in the antecubital fossa on the medial (inner) side of the elbow. To locate it, place your fingertips in the elbow crease, just medial to the biceps tendon, and gently press to feel the arterial pulsation. The brachial artery runs under this area and is the main artery used for blood pressure measurement and for assessing pulses when other sites aren’t suitable.

The other sites are different:

• Carotid pulse is in the neck, beside the trachea.

• Radial pulse is at the lateral aspect of the wrist, near the thumb.

• Dorsalis pedis pulse is on the dorsum of the foot near the ankle.

So the inner elbow pulse corresponds to the brachial site.