Why don't we palpate the pulse rate using the carotid artery for the elderly?
In geriatric populations, a routine health check requires careful consideration of potential risks, including the measurement of pulse. While the carotid artery is used in emergency situations, there are multiple safety concerns associated with using the carotid artery to palpate the pulse rate for the elderly. Using a safer, less invasive site like the radial artery is the standard protocol for assessing pulse in conscious older adults.