What is the best method to assess circulation in an infant?

The best method to assess circulation in an infant is to palpate the brachial pulse. In infants, the brachial pulse is the most accessible and reliable pulse point to check since their circulatory systems and body proportions are different from adults. The brachial artery, located in the upper arm, is easier to feel in infants due to their smaller body size, making it an ideal choice for assessing circulation.

Assessing circulation is critical in pediatric emergencies because prompt recognition of circulatory issues can significantly impact outcomes. The brachial pulse provides a good indicator of central circulation, especially when evaluating heart rate and strength of blood flow in an infant.

While palpating the carotid and radial pulses can be done, they may pose challenges; the carotid pulse is deep and can be difficult to assess in small children, and the radial pulse is often faint or absent in younger infants. Observing capillary refill time, while useful, does not provide direct information about the heart rate or the strength of the pulse, which are essential for a thorough assessment of circulation in this age group.