Which of the following arteries is NOT typically palpated as a pulse in the upper limb?

Which of the following arteries is NOT typically palpated as a pulse in the upper limb?

• A. Brachial
• B. Radial
• C. Ulnar
• D. Femoral

Answer: (D)

The key idea is where pulses are located in the body. In the upper limb, you commonly palpate the brachial pulse in the antecubital area, the radial pulse at the wrist on the thumb side, and the ulnar pulse along the medial wrist near the flexor carpi ulnaris. The femoral artery resides in the thigh/groin, under the inguinal ligament, so it is not something you palpate in the upper limb. Therefore, the artery not typically palpated in the upper limb is the femoral artery.

The key idea is where pulses are located in the body. In the upper limb, you commonly palpate the brachial pulse in the antecubital area, the radial pulse at the wrist on the thumb side, and the ulnar pulse along the medial wrist near the flexor carpi ulnaris. The femoral artery resides in the thigh/groin, under the inguinal ligament, so it is not something you palpate in the upper limb. Therefore, the artery not typically palpated in the upper limb is the femoral artery.