Question

In children, a pulse check should be limited to _____________.

1. no more than 5 seconds
2. no more than 10 seconds
3. no more than 15 seconds
4. no more than 20 seconds

Answer 1

A pulse check in children should be limited to no more than 10 seconds. This brief period is important to quickly and efficiently assess vital signs without delay. The Apgar score, which includes heart rate, is critical for evaluating newborn health immediately after birth.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting a pulse check in children, the check should be limited to no more than 10 seconds. Pulse measurement is an important part of assessing a person's health and particularly critical in newborns and infants. For example, during the Apgar test, heart rate is one of the most critical measures to assess a newborn's condition immediately after birth. Too long of a check could delay other necessary evaluations or interventions. The Apgar score includes assessment of heart rate along with other factors such as skin color, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration, and these factors are crucial in determining the immediate health status of a newborn.

A measurement such as an infant's pulse rate being 130 ± 5 beats/min shows a certain variability in measurement and taking too long to measure could increase this variability, making the reading less useful.