Where can you commonly take a pulse?

The most common places to take a pulse are at the wrist and neck. The radial pulse, located on the wrist, is easily accessible and frequently used to check heart rate. This pulse can be felt by placing your fingertips on the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the wrist. The carotid pulse, found in the neck, is also a commonly monitored pulse point. This pulse is located alongside the trachea and is vital in emergency situations as it allows for quick assessment of heart rate and blood flow.

In contrast, while the ankle and elbow are anatomical locations, they are not standard for pulse checks. The ankle does have a pulse point, known as the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis, but it is less commonly used than the wrist and neck. Similarly, a pulse can be felt at the elbow in some cases, but the brachial pulse is less frequently monitored compared to the more accessible and recognized points at the wrist and neck. Therefore, the correct option aligns with the most common and practical locations for pulse measurement.