Home Health Aide Practice Exam

To monitor a client's pulse rate, the HHA will most commonly check the _______ pulse.

1. Carotid

2. Brachial

3. Femoral

4. Radial

The correct answer is: Radial

When monitoring a client's pulse rate, the radial pulse is the most commonly assessed pulse site. The radial pulse is located on the wrist, on the same side as the thumb, making it relatively easy to locate and assess. This accessibility allows health aides to check the pulse without significant disruption to the client, which is particularly important in a home health setting where comfort and convenience are key. In practice, the HHA can place two fingers gently over the radial artery to feel the pulse, counting the beats for a full 60 seconds to obtain an accurate pulse rate. This method is often taught as part of basic vital signs monitoring because it is safe, non-invasive, and effective for most patients. Other pulse sites like the carotid are typically used in more urgent situations due to their proximity to vital organs; however, this includes considerations of client comfort and potential for increased anxiety. The brachial pulse is mainly used in infants or for blood pressure assessments, while the femoral pulse is assessed less frequently and requires a specific technique that is not as commonly applied in routine care. Thus, the radial pulse is the preferred choice for regular monitoring in home health scenarios.