Where should a nurse aide place their fingertips when taking a client's radial pulse?

When taking a client’s radial pulse, the nurse aide should place their fingertips on the client's wrist. The radial pulse is located at the radial artery, which runs along the thumb side of the wrist. By positioning the fingertips on this area, the nurse aide can effectively feel the pulse as the blood flows through the artery.

This technique is crucial for accurately assessing heart rate and rhythm, providing essential information about the client's cardiovascular health. Proper placement ensures the most reliable reading and minimizes the risk of missing the pulse due to incorrect positioning.

The other locations, such as the neck, forehead, or shoulder, are not suitable for measuring the radial pulse. The carotid pulse can be felt on the neck, but it is not the radial pulse. The forehead and shoulder do not provide access to the arteries where pulses can be effectively monitored. Therefore, using the wrist is the standard practice for checking the radial pulse.