Which combination of approximate systolic blood pressures correctly matches the presence of pulses at the radial, femoral, and carotid arteries?

• A. Radial 70, Femoral 60, Carotid 50
• B. Radial 80, Femoral 70, Carotid 60
• C. Radial 60, Femoral 50, Carotid 40
• D. Radial 90, Femoral 80, Carotid 70

Answer: (B)

Palpable arterial pulses depend on the systolic pressure reaching a level strong enough to push blood through that artery. The farther an artery is from the heart, the higher the systolic pressure needed to feel a pulse; the closer it is to the heart, the lower the pressure needed. So the carotid, being closest to the heart, is palpable at the lowest approximate SBP (around 60 mmHg). The femoral, a bit farther away, typically requires around 70 mmHg. The radial, the most distant of these three, usually needs about 80 mmHg to feel a pulse. Therefore, the combination where each pulse is present best matches radial ~80, femoral ~70, carotid ~60. This pattern reflects how peripheral pulses disappear first as blood pressure falls in shock or hypotension, with central pulses persisting longer.