To perform a pulse check in an infant, where should you palpate?

The correct choice is the brachial pulse, which is the preferred location for palpating a pulse in an infant. The brachial artery runs along the inside of the upper arm, making it accessible and identifiable in infants. Due to their smaller size and the positioning of their blood vessels, it can be challenging to detect pulses in other areas, such as the radial or carotid arteries.

In infants, the radial pulse may not be easily palpable because of the small size of their wrists, and the carotid pulse, while occasionally used in emergencies for older children and adults, is not as accessible or appropriate for infants. The femoral pulse is typically used in larger children and adults and is less practical for infants, considering its anatomical location and the need for careful positioning to access it. Therefore, recognizing the anatomical differences and the importance of correctly identifying the appropriate site to assess circulation in infants reinforces why the brachial pulse is the most suitable choice.