How do you assess for a pulse in an adult patient?

To assess for a pulse in an adult patient, the most reliable locations are the radial and carotid pulses. Checking the radial pulse is common as it is easily accessible on the wrist, providing a good indication of overall circulation. The carotid pulse, found in the neck, is often used in situations where the patient may be unconscious or when checking vital signs in a more critical context, as it is less likely to be affected by peripheral circulatory issues.

While the brachial pulse is typically assessed in infants or young children, it is not commonly used in adults for routine pulse checks. The femoral pulse can be utilized but is usually reserved for more specific situations, such as assessing blood flow in emergencies or during cardiac arrest. The temporal pulse is the least commonly assessed in adults, as it serves more specialized purposes, such as checking for temporal arteritis or during certain neurological assessments.

Thus, for routine pulse assessment in an adult, checking the radial or carotid pulse is the best practice.