Which pulse site is NOT appropriate for an infant during pulse assessment?

Which pulse site is NOT appropriate for an infant during pulse assessment?

• A. Carotid
• B. Radial
• C. Brachial
• D. Femoral

Answer: (B)

For infants, the pulse check is done using the brachial artery because it’s a central, easily accessible site on a small body and provides a reliable read of perfusion during a rapid assessment. The radial artery at the wrist is too small and often not palpable reliably in infants, making the radial pulse unsuitable for quick infant pulse assessment. If no brachial pulse can be felt in the brief check window, you should proceed with CPR without delay. The carotid and femoral sites are larger and can be used in older children or in different assessment contexts, but they are not the standard choice for routine infant pulse checks, so the radial site is the one to avoid in this age group.

For infants, the pulse check is done using the brachial artery because it’s a central, easily accessible site on a small body and provides a reliable read of perfusion during a rapid assessment. The radial artery at the wrist is too small and often not palpable reliably in infants, making the radial pulse unsuitable for quick infant pulse assessment. If no brachial pulse can be felt in the brief check window, you should proceed with CPR without delay. The carotid and femoral sites are larger and can be used in older children or in different assessment contexts, but they are not the standard choice for routine infant pulse checks, so the radial site is the one to avoid in this age group.