Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
How do you assess the brachial pulse of an infant?
A
Place two fingers on the inside of the upper arm, between the shoulder and elbow.
B
Use a stethoscope to listen to the pulse at the wrist.
C
Place your thumb on the infant's chest to feel the heartbeat.
D
Press gently on the side of the neck to feel the pulse.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the location of the brachial artery, which is situated on the inside of the upper arm, between the shoulder and elbow. This is where you will assess the brachial pulse.
Ensure the infant is in a comfortable position, ideally lying down or sitting with the arm relaxed to facilitate easy access to the brachial artery.
Use the pads of your index and middle fingers to gently palpate the area on the inside of the upper arm. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse that can interfere with accurate assessment.
Apply gentle pressure with your fingers until you feel the rhythmic pulsations of the brachial artery. This indicates the presence of the brachial pulse.
Count the number of beats for a full minute to assess the pulse rate, ensuring you maintain consistent pressure and positioning throughout the assessment.