What is the radial pulse?

The radial pulse refers specifically to the pulse that can be felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs close to the surface, just beneath the skin on the thumb side of the forearm. This location is commonly used to assess heart rate and rhythm because of its accessibility and convenience.

The anatomy of the wrist allows for easy palpation of this pulse, making it a standard site in both medical and first aid settings for checking circulation status. It is vital for healthcare providers, including combat medics, to correctly identify and assess the radial pulse to monitor a patient's cardiovascular health efficiently.

The other choices refer to pulse points in different locations of the body; however, they do not describe the radial pulse specifically. The pulse in the upper arm corresponds to the brachial artery, the pulse in the neck relates to the carotid arteries, and the pulse felt in the foot is associated with the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial arteries. Each of these is critical, but they are distinct from the radial pulse located at the wrist.