Final answer:
The pulse rate can be determined by palpating at various sites besides the common radial and carotid arteries, including temporal, facial, brachial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis arteries.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing pulse rate, apart from the commonly used radial artery in the wrist and the common carotid artery in the neck, there are various alternative sites. These include the temporal and facial arteries in the head, the brachial arteries in the upper arm, the femoral arteries in the thigh, the popliteal arteries behind the knees, the posterior tibial arteries near the medial tarsal regions, and the dorsalis pedis arteries in the feet. Pulse rate reflects the alternating expansion and recoil of an artery as blood is pumped through it, acting as an indicator of heart rate.