Question

which of the following actions should you perform in a pulse check for an unresponsive adult?
select all that apply
assess for a pulse for no more than 5 seconds
use 2 or 3 fingers to locate the pulse
use 1 finger to locate the pulse
assess for a pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds
feel for a pulse in the groove of the neck, to the side of the trachea

Explanation:

• When checking the pulse of an unresponsive adult, it is recommended to assess for a pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds. This allows enough time to accurately determine if a pulse is present without delaying necessary actions.
• Using 2 or 3 fingers to locate the pulse is appropriate as it provides a better sense of the pulse compared to using 1 finger.
• The common location to check the pulse in an unresponsive adult is in the groove of the neck, to the side of the trachea (carotid pulse).

Answer:

• B. Use 2 or 3 fingers to locate the pulse
• D. Assess for a pulse for at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds
• E. Feel for a pulse in the groove of the neck, to the side of the trachea