finding a brachial artery

[bubbasmom]

hi..is there a certain landmark to look for a brachial artery? also where should u look for it in a heavier person? is it always found in the crease of the elbow?

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Usually found medially to the biceps tendon.

[SnMrsSmiley]

middle of the crease of inside elbow, put your finger right in the middle and then move a little to the right (pinkie side)

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

For a normal-sized adult, take 3 fingers (index, middle, ring) and place them just medial to the biceps tendon, in the little pocket, with the ring finger right on the crease. Apply a little pressure, as if to gather up some tissue into that pocket and you should feel the biceps tendon right there under your index and middle finger. It helps to have the elbow straightened out as that pops all the structures up toward the surface really nicely.

[thenameismac]

I find that with bigger people I just apply a bit more pressure. The anatomy is roughly the same for everyone it's just a little bit harder to find certain things when the person is bit bigger than most.

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

Also, hyperextend the arm a little! I was having a hard time finding it on anyone and my teacher showed me this trick and have found it on everyone, big and small!

[pookapooka]

Thanks for the tips! This is the one pulse point that I have had a hard time finding...

[JLA]

The hyper extending works well! Just tried that and found it first try. :)

Thanks!