What are two common methods to determine pulse?

The two common methods to determine pulse include auscultation and palpation. Auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen for the sounds of the heart and assess the rhythm and rate of the pulse, particularly when evaluating the heart sounds. Palpation, on the other hand, is the process of physically feeling the pulse at various points on the body, such as the wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse), to count the beats and determine the pulse rate.

These methods are widely used in clinical settings because they effectively provide essential information about a patient's cardiovascular health. They allow healthcare professionals to assess not only the pulse rate but also the regularity and strength of the pulse, which are important indicators of overall health.

Other options presented involve methods that are not primarily used for determining pulse. For example, taking temperature or using pulse oximetry measures different physiological parameters and does not provide a direct assessment of pulse. Similarly, measuring blood pressure and checking respiration offer insights into cardiovascular and respiratory function but do not directly measure pulse.