Where is the carotid pulse located?

The carotid pulse is located along the side of the neck, specifically in the carotid artery, which runs vertically in that area. This pulse can be found just beside the trachea, making it accessible for checking the heart rate and assessing circulation, particularly in emergency situations.

Understanding this anatomical placement is essential for practical nursing, as it allows nurses to monitor vital signs effectively. Other locations like the upper arm, forehead, and wrist correspond to different pulse points (such as the brachial, temporal, and radial arteries, respectively), but the carotid pulse is distinctively associated with the neck region, highlighting its importance in assessments related to cardiac function.