In an infant, which pulse palpation site is recommended for rapid assessment during resuscitation?

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

Answer: (D)

During resuscitation in an infant, you need a pulse check that is quick, reliable, and easy to perform while CPR is ongoing. The brachial artery in the upper arm is ideal because it’s relatively large for an infant, lies close to the surface, and is easy to locate quickly. This makes it possible to determine promptly whether a pulse is present within a short time frame (about 10 seconds). In contrast, the carotid pulse can be hard to assess accurately in a tiny patient and can be unreliable during chest compressions, while the radial pulse is often too small and difficult to feel in infants. The femoral site is deeper and not as practical for a rapid check in an infant. So the brachial pulse is the best choice for rapid assessment during infant resuscitation.