The nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant suspected of having cardiac arrest. Which pulse should the nurse palpate for assessment?
The nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant suspected of having cardiac arrest. Which pulse should the nurse palpate for assessment?
A. Brachial
[68%]
B. Femoral
[12%]
C. Carotid
[18%]
D. Popliteal
[3%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Cardiovascular
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Medical Emergencies
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice A is correct. In infants, the brachial artery is the right site to check for a pulse. This will help determine how to proceed with the code event and if there is a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The brachial pulse is located inside of the upper arm between the infant's elbow and shoulder.
Choice B is incorrect. While the femoral artery is an appropriate place to check a pulse in an infant, this is not the location used to determine if the client is experiencing cardiac arrest. The brachial pulse is more accessible.
Choice C is incorrect. The carotid artery is the correct location to palpate a pulse during a cardiac arrest in the adult client, not the infant client.
Choice D is incorrect. The popliteal artery is a problematic pulse to palpate and should not be your point of reference for a pulse in any patient during a cardiac arrest.
Related Videos
4 Key Topics
Newborn Assessment
31.1 Immediate Newborn Evaluation
CPR
8.2 Risk Management & Environment Safety
Additional Info
✓ The brachial pulse is located inside the upper arm between the infant's elbow and shoulder.
✓ Pulse assessments should not exceed 10 seconds.
✓ For an infant, compressions are delivered by placing both thumbs (side-by-side) on the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.
✓ Use the other fingers to encircle the baby’s chest toward the back, providing support. Using both thumbs simultaneously, push hard down and fast about 1 ½ inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
✓ An alternative way to deliver compressions would be by placing two fingers placed parallel to the chest in the center of the chest.
