Femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses

What should you do?

PALPATE femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses for amplitude bilaterally

Procedure

• To locate the femoral pulses, palpate below the inguinal ligament, midway between the symphysis pubis and anterior superior iliac crest, and move your fingers inward toward the pubic hair:

  • You can locate the anatomy using the mnemonic NAVEL: N, nerve; A, artery; V, vein; E, empty space; L, lymph. Firm compression may be required for obese patients.

• For the popliteal pulses, palpate the popliteal artery behind the knee in the popliteal fossa:

  • This pulse may be difficult to find

  • Having the patient in the prone position and flexing the leg slightly may help to locate it

• For the posterior tibial pulses, palpate on the inner aspect of the ankle below and slightly behind the medial malleolus (ankle bone)

• For the dorsalis pedis pulse, palpate lightly over the dorsum of the foot between the extension tendons of the first and second toes

  • Often both dorsalis pedis pulses are palpated at the same time to assess for equality

Expected Findings

Pulses have regular rhythm, smooth contour with 21 amplitude

Unexpected Findings

Abnormalities include irregular rhythm and weak or bounding upstroke

arterial insufficiency

Impaired peripheral pulses may indicate __