Which artery is appropriate to check for the pulse of a conscious 16-year-old female victim who has been shot?

To assess the pulse of a conscious 16-year-old female victim who has sustained a gunshot wound, the most effective location to check would be the radial artery. The radial artery is located on the wrist and is easily accessible, making it a routine site for checking the pulse in conscious individuals. It's typically preferable in stable, conscious patients since they can usually remain calm enough for the assessment.

In cases of significant trauma, other pulse points like the carotid artery may seem appropriate; however, the radial pulse is usually the first choice for conscious victims as it allows for easy monitoring without applying unnecessary stress or movement.

While the femoral artery could be detectable, it is less convenient and more invasive compared to the more superficial radial artery. Similarly, the brachial artery is another viable option but is less commonly used for a conscious patient compared to the radial pulse.