Final answer:
To check if a 7-month-old is unconscious and not breathing, you should check the pulse at the brachial artery. The brachial pulse is easier to find in infants and is essential for assessing their condition with the Apgar score. Immediate action is required if the infant has low scores or no pulse.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you encounter a 7-month-old who appears to be unconscious and not breathing, you should check for a pulse at the brachial artery. In infants, the brachial artery is the recommended site for pulse checking because it is easier to find and palpate in small children. This artery is located on the inside of the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder. When checking the pulse, place the tips of two fingers (not your thumb) on the artery and press lightly. It's imperative to do this correctly as heart rate and respiration are critical in assessing the condition of an infant, especially when considering the Apgar score. This Apgar score evaluates a newborn's physical condition after birth and includes heart rate as one of its primary criteria.
Remember, an Apgar score below 7 may indicate the need for medical assistance and a score below 5 points for an emergency where the infant requires immediate medical attention. If there is no pulse or if the infant is not breathing, emergency resuscitation procedures like CPR should be initiated immediately and professional medical help must be sought.