Dorsalis pedis pulse is located where?

Dorsalis pedis pulse is located where?

• A. Pulse on the top of the foot lateral to the large tendon of the big toe
• B. Pulse behind the knee
• C. Pulse at the temple
• D. Pulse in the antecubital space

Answer: (A)

The relevant concept is where to feel the pulse that indicates blood flow on the foot’s top surface. The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon that goes to the big toe. That placement matches the description of a pulse on the top of the foot, just beside the large tendon of the big toe. Other common pulse sites are behind the knee (popliteal), at the temple (temporal), and in the antecubital space (brachial). Knowing this landmark helps quickly assess lower-extremity arterial flow during screening.

The relevant concept is where to feel the pulse that indicates blood flow on the foot’s top surface. The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, just lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon that goes to the big toe. That placement matches the description of a pulse on the top of the foot, just beside the large tendon of the big toe. Other common pulse sites are behind the knee (popliteal), at the temple (temporal), and in the antecubital space (brachial). Knowing this landmark helps quickly assess lower-extremity arterial flow during screening.