Where should you check for a pulse on a responsive adult?

Checking for a pulse in an adult who is responsive is typically done at the radial artery located at the wrist. The radial pulse is the most accessible and convenient site for assessing the heart rate in a conscious individual. It is also easy to locate, requiring minimal interference with the patient compared to other sites.

In a responsive person, the radial pulse reflects the blood flow that's circulating adequately through the body, providing immediate feedback about the cardiovascular status. If the person is responsive, the lateral aspect of the wrist is often the preferred location as it is comfortable and non-invasive for both the rescuer and the individual in need.

While the femoral artery can provide a pulse check in cases of unconsciousness or shock, it is not ideal for a responsive adult due to its location and the need for more invasive assessment. The coronary artery is not accessible for pulse checks; it is located internally and cannot be felt externally. The temporal artery, while useful in some contexts, is less common for routine pulse checks in responsive individuals compared to the radial artery. Thus, the radial pulse is the best choice in this scenario for a quick and effective assessment.