Final answer:
Before starting CPR on an unresponsive infant who is gasping for breath, the brachial artery should be palpated for a pulse. The brachial artery, located in the upper arm, is utilized instead of the carotid or radial artery, which are common in adults. Immediate CPR is required if no pulse is detected within 10 seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an infant is unresponsive and gasping for breath, before starting CPR, the brachial artery is the site that should be palpated for a pulse. The procedure involves placing the tips of the fingers on the inside of the infant's upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder, where the brachial artery runs close to the surface.
This artery is preferred as the palpation site because it is more accessible and provides a reliable indicator of circulatory status in infants. If a pulse is not detectable within 10 seconds, healthcare providers should initiate CPR immediately, focusing on delivering high-quality chest compressions and, if properly trained, providing rescue breaths.
Unlike adults where the carotid or radial arteries are commonly used, the brachial artery is the standard for pulse checks in infants. The importance of checking the pulse is to determine whether there is effective blood circulation before proceeding with potentially life-saving compressions. Pulse palpation can also be performed at other sites such as the femoral or dorsalis pedis arteries, if necessary.