Where is the popliteal pulse palpated?

Where is the popliteal pulse palpated?

• A. Knee
• B. Ankle
• C. Wrist
• D. Neck

Answer: (A)

The popliteal pulse is palpated behind the knee, in the popliteal fossa, where the popliteal artery lies. To feel it, have the patient with the knee slightly flexed to relax the surrounding muscles and press gently with the pads of your fingers into the popliteal hollow in the midline of the back of the knee. If not easily felt, a Doppler can help confirm. This location is distinct from other sites: the ankle houses the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pulses, the wrist has the radial pulse, and the neck pulse refers to the carotid.

The popliteal pulse is palpated behind the knee, in the popliteal fossa, where the popliteal artery lies. To feel it, have the patient with the knee slightly flexed to relax the surrounding muscles and press gently with the pads of your fingers into the popliteal hollow in the midline of the back of the knee. If not easily felt, a Doppler can help confirm. This location is distinct from other sites: the ankle houses the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pulses, the wrist has the radial pulse, and the neck pulse refers to the carotid.