A medical assistant is taking an adult patient's pulse at the fifth intercostal space. Which of the following locations is used to obtain the reading?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific location a medical assistant should use to take an adult patient's pulse at the fifth intercostal space. It presents multiple-choice options to determine the correct anatomical site for pulse assessment.
Answer
Apical
The correct location for taking a pulse in the fifth intercostal space is the apical pulse.
Answer for screen readers
The correct location for taking a pulse in the fifth intercostal space is the apical pulse.
More Information
The apical pulse is taken at the apex of the heart, commonly at the fifth intercostal space, and is different from other pulse points due to its position over the heart rather than on an artery.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the apical pulse location with other pulse points such as radial or brachial.
Sources
- Pulse Points - Nurse Together - nursetogether.com
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
