Where is the radial pulse commonly taken from?

The radial pulse is commonly taken from the inside of the wrist, specifically at the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the forearm and wrist. To locate the radial pulse, one typically places their index and middle fingers on the wrist, just below the base of the thumb. This site is preferred for several reasons: it is easily accessible and provides a reliable indication of heart rate, rhythm, and strength of the pulse.

Other options, such as the forehead, side of the neck, and top of the foot, are associated with pulse points but are not where the radial pulse is specifically assessed. For example, the side of the neck is where the carotid pulse is taken, and the top of the foot is associated with the dorsalis pedis pulse. Each pulse point has its own clinical significance depending on the physiological assessment being performed, but for measuring the radial pulse, the inside of the wrist is the appropriate location.