Final answer:
To palpate the pulse in children younger than 1 year, you should use the brachial artery in the upper arm. This method is part of routine examinations and is also used in emergencies to assess heart rate and circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Palpating Pulse in Infants
In children younger than 1 year, you should palpate the pulse at the brachial artery. This artery is located in the upper arm, which is a common site for measuring pulse in infants. Professionals may also use electronic devices to measure pulse, but palpation at the brachial artery remains a standard and reliable method.
The Apgar test, conducted right after birth, includes assessing the infant’s heart rate among other criteria. The brachial artery can be accessed by placing your fingers along the inside of the infant's arm and feeling for the pulse between the biceps and triceps muscles, slightly towards the inner aspect of the arm.
Palpation of the pulse at the brachial artery is not only used in routine examinations but also during emergency situations, as depicted by the clinical focus involving Olivia, a one-year-old with distressing symptoms. In clinical and urgent care settings, feeling a pulse is a quick way to assess the circulation and heart rate, which are critical for the infant's well-being.