Colorado CNA Practice Exam

When counting a radial pulse, the nursing assistant's fingertips should be placed on the resident's:

1. Neck

2. Wrist

3. Upper arm

4. Chest

The correct answer is: Neck

The correct placement for counting a radial pulse is on the resident's wrist. This area is where the radial artery is located, making it the most appropriate place for detecting the heartbeat through the pulse. Placing the fingertips on the wrist allows the nursing assistant to accurately assess the pulse rate, rhythm, and strength, which are important indicators of the resident's cardiovascular health. Placing fingers on the neck, upper arm, or chest would not provide the most accurate or traditional means of counting a radial pulse. The neck might be associated with counting the carotid pulse, while the upper arm and chest are not standard locations for a radial pulse assessment. If the nursing assistant is trained to determine the radial pulse, the wrist is the recommended site for this practice.