Assessing Pulse in Adults and Infants

How does pulse assessment differ between adults and infants?

The location and method of palpating the pulse are different for each age group.

In patients older than 1 year, where should you palpate the pulse if the patient is responsive?

At the radial pulse on the wrist.

In patients older than 1 year, where should you palpate the pulse if the patient is unresponsive?

At the carotid pulse in the neck.

How do you locate the carotid pulse?

Place the fingertips of your index and long fingers in the center of the throat on the windpipe, then slide your fingers toward you into the groove between the trachea and the neck muscle.

What precautions should you take when palpating the carotid pulse?

Use gentle pressure and check only one side of the neck at a time.

Why shouldn’t you use your thumb to check a pulse?

Because you may mistake your own thumb’s pulse for the patient’s pulse.

Where should you palpate the pulse in infants younger than 1 year?

At the brachial pulse on the inside (medial area) of the upper arm.

How can you access the brachial pulse in a supine infant?

Elevate the infant’s arm over their head.

Why do you need to press firmly when assessing the brachial pulse in infants?

Because infants often have chubby arms, and the brachial artery lies parallel to the long axis of the upper arm.