To determine the circulatory status of a 1 month-old infant, which pulse should the nurse palpate?

For a 1-month-old infant, the brachial pulse is the most appropriate pulse point to assess circulatory status. This is because the brachial artery is easily accessible and provides a reliable measure of heart rate and blood circulation in infants. It is located on the inside of the upper arm, making it convenient to palpate, especially in a small and delicate patient like a young infant.

In general, during infancy, certain pulse points are favored due to their location and ease of access. The carotid pulse, while also a valid option in adults, may not be as easily palpated in an infant and is typically less utilized in pediatric assessments. Similarly, the femoral pulse can be assessed and is important in specific clinical scenarios, but it is not the primary choice when evaluating general circulatory status in a very young infant. The popliteal pulse is harder to palpate in infants due to their small size and less muscle and fat around the knee.

Thus, choosing the brachial pulse for a 1-month-old infant aligns with best practices in pediatric nursing care to reliably assess and monitor their circulatory status.