What is the correct way to take a radial pulse?

The correct way to take a radial pulse is by placing your fingers on the patient's wrist, specifically on the thumb side. This technique involves locating the radial artery, which runs along the wrist's lateral aspect (the side closest to the thumb). To take the pulse accurately, it is important to use the pads of your index and middle fingers to gently press against this area until you can feel the pulse.

This method allows for a reliable measurement of the heart rate, as the radial pulse is easily accessible and provides a consistent reflection of the heart's activity. It's crucial to avoid using excessive pressure, which could occlude the artery and make it difficult to feel the pulse. Instead, a light touch is typically sufficient for an accurate assessment.

Other methods, such as squeezing the wrist or pressing hard on the elbow, can disrupt blood flow and make it impossible to obtain a reliable pulse reading. Counting pulses on the neck—a technique associated with taking a carotid pulse—does not pertain to the radial pulse and may not always be practical, especially in a busy or emergency setting where the radial pulse is quicker to access and assess.