What is the main location for checking the radial pulse?

The radial pulse is primarily checked at the wrist, specifically at the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of your forearm. To locate it, you can place your fingers on the wrist area just below the base of the thumb and apply gentle pressure until you feel the heartbeat. This location is preferred for pulse checks because the radial artery is relatively superficial and makes it easy to palpate the pulse accurately.

Check locations like the neck (the carotid pulse), the abdomen (usually not used for pulse checks), and the temple (the temporal artery) are either not as accessible or not as commonly employed for pulse monitoring in everyday situations. The wrist, due to its accessibility, allows for a quick and convenient assessment of heart rate, making it the standard location for checking the radial pulse.