An unresponsive adult is found on the hospital floor. When assessing for a pulse before starting CPR, the correct approach is to palpate which artery, and for how long?
- A Radial artery, up to 30 seconds
- B Carotid artery, no more than 10 seconds ✓
- C Femoral artery, up to 30 seconds
- D Carotid artery, at least 10 seconds but no more than 15 seconds
Correct answer: B. Carotid artery, no more than 10 seconds
Explanation
The carotid pulse is checked for no more than 10 seconds. If a definite pulse cannot be felt within that time, compressions must begin immediately. Prolonged pulse checks delay the first compression and lower survival, which is why option D, with its allowance of up to 15 seconds, is wrong. Radial and femoral pulses are unreliable indicators during collapse assessment.
Reference: AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, 2020 ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.