Vessels of the upper limb

Question 1

Demonstrate palpation of the subclavian arterial pulse and describe the rate.

Answer 1

Palpate in the supraclavicular region, at the angle between clavicle and sternocleidomastoid muscle. At this site you can compress and occlude hthe artery completely.

Question 2

Demonstrate palpation of the axillary arterial pulse and describe the rate.

Answer 2

On the medial side of humerus, posterior to the tendon of short head of biceps. (unlikely to be tested, but need to know)

Question 3

Demonstrate palpation of the brachial arterial pulse in the arm and describe the rate.

Answer 3

Along middle third of humerus. Palpate in the medial bicipital groove behind the medial border of biceps.

Question 4

Demonstrate palpation of the brachial arterial pulse in the cubital fossa and describe the rate.

Answer 4

On the medial side of the tendon of the biceps (distal end)- on a fully extended elbow.

Question 5

Demonstrate palpation of the radial arterial pulse and describe the rate.

Answer 5

Palpate at the wrist- thumb side.

Question 6

Demonstrate palpation of the ulnar arterial pulse and describe the rate.

Answer 6

Palpate at the wrist- little finger side.

Question 7

Label the following diagram:

Answer 7