Which artery is commonly palpated to check pulse during resuscitation?

• A. Carotid Artery
• B. Aorta
• C. Pulmonary Artery
• D. Subclavian Artery

Answer: (A)

During resuscitation you want to know quickly whether there is circulation. The carotid artery in the neck is the best site for this quick check because it is a large, central vessel close to the heart, so its pulse reflects whether blood is being pumped through the body. It’s easier to feel under pressure and gives a reliable indication of central circulation even when peripheral pulses might be weak during CPR. The other options aren’t practical for rapid pulse assessment during resuscitation: the aorta is too deep to feel externally, the pulmonary artery isn’t accessible for palpation, and the subclavian artery is harder to locate and not as reliable for a quick check.