Checking an infant’s pulse is a valuable skill for any caregiver. Infants possess distinct physiological characteristics compared to older children or adults, necessitating specialized techniques for an accurate pulse assessment. Understanding the correct approach guides appropriate actions during an emergency.
Locating the Preferred Pulse Site
For infants, the brachial artery is the most accessible and reliable location for checking a pulse. This artery is situated on the inner side of the infant’s upper arm, specifically between the elbow and the shoulder. A slight groove in this area indicates the artery’s location between the biceps and triceps muscles.
Other pulse sites commonly used in adults, such as the radial artery in the wrist or the carotid artery in the neck, are less suitable for infants. The radial pulse can be challenging to locate accurately in an infant due to their small limbs and delicate skin. Similarly, the carotid artery in an infant’s neck may be difficult to find or assess due to their anatomy, and there is a risk of inadvertently pressing too firmly, which could obstruct blood flow.
Step-by-Step Pulse Check
To check an infant’s pulse using the brachial artery, lay the infant on their back on a firm, flat surface. Gently extend one of their arms slightly outward to expose the inner upper arm. Place the pads of your index and middle fingers on the inner side of the infant’s upper arm, midway between the elbow and shoulder.
Apply gentle pressure until you feel a rhythmic pulsation. Avoid using your thumb, as it has its own pulse, which could lead to an inaccurate reading. Once you locate the pulse, count the beats for a specific duration, typically 15 seconds, and then multiply that number by four to determine the beats per minute. Alternatively, you can count for 30 seconds and multiply by two.
What to Do After Checking
After checking the infant’s pulse, interpret the findings. A normal resting pulse rate for infants from 1 to 11 months old typically ranges from 80 to 160 beats per minute, while newborns (0 to 1 month old) may have a range of 70 to 190 beats per minute. These rates can vary based on factors like activity level, sleep, or agitation.
If no pulse is found, or if the pulse is very slow (less than 60 beats per minute) with signs of poor perfusion (e.g., pale or bluish skin), immediate action is necessary. In such cases, activate emergency medical services (911 or local emergency number). If you are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin chest compressions immediately, starting with 30 compressions followed by two breaths, or continuous compressions if you are not trained in rescue breathing.