Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

Which pulse site is commonly used to measure blood pressure?

1. Radial

2. Brachial

3. Carotid

4. Femoral

The correct answer is: Brachial

The brachial pulse site is commonly used to measure blood pressure because it is located near the artery that is compressed during the procedure to obtain a reading. The brachial artery runs along the inner side of the upper arm, making it accessible and suitable for a sphygmomanometer cuff placement. When measuring blood pressure, the cuff inflates to constrict the brachial artery, and as it deflates, the healthcare provider listens for specific sounds (Korotkoff sounds) that indicate the systolic and diastolic pressures. The other pulse sites have their own uses but are not typically employed for direct blood pressure assessment. The radial pulse, for instance, is often used for checking heart rate due to its accessibility at the wrist, while the carotid pulse, located in the neck, is generally used in emergency situations or to assess circulation in critical care. The femoral pulse is more often utilized in situations involving the lower body or specific medical conditions rather than routine blood pressure monitoring.