Which fingers are used to palpate the radial pulse?

Which fingers are used to palpate the radial pulse?

• A. Index and middle fingers.
• B. Thumb and index fingers.
• C. Middle and ring fingers.
• D. Ring and little fingers.

Answer: (A)

Palpating a pulse is done with the pads of two fingers to feel the flow without confusing your own pulse. Use the index and middle fingers because their pads are most sensitive and let you detect the beats clearly without pressing too hard. Place them on the radial artery at the wrist, on the thumb side, and apply light pressure until you feel the pulse. The thumb should be avoided since it has its own pulse, which can mislead your reading. Pressing too hard can occlude the artery and hide the pulse; too light pressure won’t reveal it. The radial pulse is located on the inner wrist near the base of the thumb, where the artery runs just beneath the skin.

Palpating a pulse is done with the pads of two fingers to feel the flow without confusing your own pulse. Use the index and middle fingers because their pads are most sensitive and let you detect the beats clearly without pressing too hard. Place them on the radial artery at the wrist, on the thumb side, and apply light pressure until you feel the pulse. The thumb should be avoided since it has its own pulse, which can mislead your reading. Pressing too hard can occlude the artery and hide the pulse; too light pressure won’t reveal it. The radial pulse is located on the inner wrist near the base of the thumb, where the artery runs just beneath the skin.