Which of the following is a peripheral pulse?

• A. Carotid artery pulse
• B. Radial artery pulse
• C. Pulmonary artery pulse
• D. Aortic pulse

Answer: (B)

A peripheral pulse is a pulse felt in arteries away from the heart, usually in the limbs. The radial artery pulse fits this description because it’s at the wrist, a distant site from the heart and easily palpated during a routine exam. The carotid artery pulse is considered central since it’s in the neck near the heart and is used when peripheral pulses are hard to detect. The pulmonary artery pulse isn’t palpated in normal exams; it relates to central circulation and is measured with a catheter. The aorta isn’t palpated as a standard peripheral pulse in routine practice either. So the radial artery pulse is the peripheral pulse.