RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1564 of 2368

The nurse is palpating a client's carotid pulses. Which technique is correct?

  1. Palpate both carotid arteries at the same time to compare them
  2. Press firmly on the carotid artery at the top of the neck
  3. Palpate over the trachea
  4. Palpate one carotid artery at a time
Show answer

Correct answer: Palpate one carotid artery at a time

Palpating both carotids at once can decrease blood flow to the brain.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), General Survey: Pulse Equality. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026