National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

In what position should a client be to palpate the popliteal pulse?

1. Supine with the knee extended

2. Prone with the knee flexed

3. Sitting with the leg straight

4. Standing with the knee slightly bent

The correct answer is: Prone with the knee flexed

To effectively palpate the popliteal pulse, the ideal position for the client is indeed prone with the knee flexed. This position allows easier access to the popliteal fossa, the area behind the knee where the popliteal artery runs. When the knee is flexed, there is some relaxation of the surrounding musculature and structures, making it simpler to locate and assess the pulse. In this position, the practitioner can apply gentle pressure with their fingers into the space behind the knee, where they can feel for the pulse. This method is both effective and comfortable for the client, ensuring that the artery is properly situated for palpation. Other positions, like supine or sitting with the leg straight, may not provide the same ease of access for palpating the popliteal pulse. A standing position could also prove to be less effective, as the tension in the leg would not facilitate the same relaxed access to the popliteal fossa compared to being prone with the knee flexed.