Where is the pulse of an infant typically assessed?

• A. Wrist
• B. Upper arm
• C. Neck
• D. Ankle

Answer: (B)

For infants, the most reliable place to check a pulse is the brachial artery in the upper arm. This site is large enough to feel clearly with just a couple of fingers and is easy to access while an infant is lying still or being held. It provides a quick, accurate indication of whether a pulse is present without turning the infant or risking airway problems that can come with neck checks.

Feeling a pulse at the wrist is often difficult in infants because their arteries are small, making the radial pulse harder to detect. Checking the neck (carotid) is not preferred in young children due to potential distress and less reliable readings. The ankle pulse is not a standard rapid-check site for infants. So the inner upper-arm brachial pulse is the preferred location for infant pulse assessment.