How do you check for circulation in an adult?

To check for circulation in an adult, assessing the pulse at the carotid artery is critical as it provides a direct indication of blood flow and heartbeat. The carotid pulse is located in the neck and is typically one of the strongest and most accessible sites to evaluate circulation. A palpable pulse indicates that the heart is pumping blood effectively, suggesting adequate circulation to the brain and vital organs.

Blood pressure measurement, while informative regarding overall cardiovascular function, does not provide immediate feedback on the presence of a pulse or the effectiveness of circulation, especially in an emergency setting where rapid assessment is crucial. Evaluating skin temperature can offer some clues about circulation status, as cold skin can indicate poor perfusion; however, it is not as definitive as checking a pulse. Listening to breath sounds is related to assessing respiratory status rather than circulation, focusing on airway and lung function instead. Thus, assessing the carotid pulse is the most direct and effective method to evaluate circulation in an adult.