Which part of the body is primarily monitored for pulse?

The wrist (where the radial pulse is taken) and the neck (where the carotid pulse is assessed) are the primary sites used to monitor pulse because they are easily accessible and provide reliable indications of heart rate and rhythm. The radial pulse, located on the thumb side of the wrist, is frequently checked in clinical and everyday settings due to its convenience and the ability to feel the pulse easily with light pressure. The carotid pulse, found just beside the trachea in the neck, is another important site, especially in emergency situations where it allows for an immediate assessment of circulation.

Other sites, such as the ankle or foot, while they do provide pulse points, are not commonly used as first choices for routine pulse monitoring because they can be more difficult to palpate and may not reflect the heart rate as clearly or consistently as the radial or carotid sites. The upper arm is typically not used for pulse checking in standard practice. Thus, the wrist and neck are preferred locations for monitoring pulse accurately and efficiently.