During CPR, where should you check the pulse of a patient who shows signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?

When a patient shows signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during CPR, checking the pulse at the carotid or femoral artery is recommended because these locations are more reliable for assessing circulation in an adult patient. The carotid artery, located in the neck, is easily accessible and provides a strong pulse that is indicative of effective blood flow from the heart to the brain. The femoral artery, located in the groin, is another central location and is particularly useful if the patient is lying down or if there are concerns about other injuries.

Using the radial artery, located in the wrist, is often less reliable in a patient who has just undergone cardiac arrest, as it can sometimes be difficult to palpate if the peripheral circulation has not fully resumed. The dorsalis pedis artery, found on the top of the foot, may also be challenging to assess under stress or in emergency settings, and it may not reflect central circulation effectively. The brachial artery, found in the upper arm, is often used for infants and young children but is not the preferred site for adults in assessing ROSC. Thus, checking the pulse at the carotid or femoral artery provides the most accurate assessment of whether circulation has resumed effectively after CPR.