Assessment of Pulse Sites*

Temporal Found over the temporal bone above and lateral to the eye; easily
accessible, used often in children
Apical Best found between the fourth and fifth intercostals space,
midclavicular line; used to auscultate heart sounds and before the
administration of digoxin
Carotid Found on either side of the neck over the carotid artery; used to
assess circulation during shock or cardiac arrest and when other peripheral
pulses are poor
Brachial Found in the antecubital area of the arm; used to auscultate blood
pressure and to assess circulation of the lower arm
Radial Found on the thumb side of the forearm at the wrist; used to assess
circulation of the head and peripheral circulation
Ulnar Found at the wrist on the opposite side of the radius; used to assess
circulation of the hand and in Allen’s assessment test
Femoral Found below the inguinal ligament midway between the
symphysis pubis and the anterosuperior iliac spine; used to assess circulation
of the leg; can be used to assess circulation during shock or cardiac arrest or
when other peripheral pulses are poor
Popliteal Found behind the knee; used to assess lower leg circulation
Posterior tibial Found on the inner side of each ankle; used to assess foot
circulation
Dorsalis pedis Found along the top of the foot between extension tendons of
the great and first toes; used to assess the circulation of the foot

Normal Breath Sounds

Vesicular Soft, low-pitched sighing over bronchiole and alveoli base on
inspiration
Bronchial Moderate, high-pitched sound over trachea
Bronchovesicular Moderate sound over first and second intercostal spaces
Tracheal Loudest and highest pitched of normal breath sounds, harsh and
tubular