Which term refers to the forearm artery commonly palpated to check pulse?

• A. Radial
• B. Rhythm
• C. Rate
• D. Oximetry

Answer: (A)

When checking a pulse, you palpate an artery where the blood is close to the skin. On the forearm, the artery most commonly used is the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the wrist. It’s easy to reach, near the surface, and provides a strong, reliable pulse you can feel with two fingers. The other terms aren’t arteries: rhythm refers to the pattern of the heartbeat, rate is how many beats per minute, and oximetry measures how much oxygen the blood is carrying. So the forearm artery you commonly palpate to check pulse is the radial artery.