Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

Which area is associated with the posterior tibial pulse?

1. On the anterior foot

2. Near the medial malleolus

3. On the plantar side of the foot

4. At the lateral ankle

The correct answer is: Near the medial malleolus

The posterior tibial pulse is located near the medial malleolus, which is the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle. This pulse can be palpated as the posterior tibial artery, which branches from the popliteal artery, travels down the leg and wraps around the medial malleolus before supplying blood to the foot. Understanding the anatomical landmarks is crucial for identifying where to find this pulse. Near the medial malleolus, you can feel the pulse as the artery runs posteriorly to the bone, making it accessible for examination. The other areas mentioned, such as the anterior foot or the lateral ankle, do not correlate with the location of the posterior tibial pulse, as these are associated with different arteries or pulse points in the lower extremity. The plantar side of the foot does involve arteries that supply blood, but the posterior tibial pulse specifically refers to the palpation point near the medial malleolus.