DANB General Chairside Practice Test

Which artery is most commonly used to check a patient's pulse in the dental office?

1. A) Carotid

2. B) Radial

3. C) Femoral

4. D) Brachial

The correct answer is: B) Radial

The radial artery is the most commonly used site for checking a patient's pulse in a dental office setting. This preference is primarily due to its accessibility and the ease with which it can be palpated on the wrist, just above the thumb. The radial pulse provides a quick and efficient way to assess the patient's heart rate and overall circulatory health before, during, or after dental procedures. It is also less invasive compared to other pulse-checking methods, making it favorable in a clinical environment where patient comfort is a priority. In contrast, the carotid artery is often used in emergency situations because it is centrally located and can provide more immediate information about a patient's cardiovascular status. However, its location makes it less convenient for routine checks during dental visits. The femoral artery is typically assessed in emergency or trauma cases due to its deep anatomical position and lack of accessibility in an outpatient dental setting. The brachial artery, while also viable for pulse checks, is less commonly used than the radial artery for routine assessments in a dental office. Thus, the radial artery stands out for its combination of accessibility and reliability as a pulse-checking site.