Which pulse is most appropriate to assess in case of cardiac arrest in an infant?

In the event of cardiac arrest in an infant, assessing the brachial pulse is the most appropriate choice. The brachial pulse, located in the upper arm, is easily palpated in infants due to their smaller body size and lower tissue density. This pulse can be found by gently pressing the fingers against the inside of the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder.

In cases of cardiac arrest, timely and effective assessment of circulation is crucial. The brachial pulse provides a more reliable indicator of blood flow in infants compared to other locations. For instance, the carotid pulse, while accessible in adults, is often more challenging to palpate in infants due to their smaller anatomy. The femoral pulse, located in the groin, may be used in certain situations but is less practical in emergencies where immediate intervention is necessary. The radial pulse is typically assessed in older children and adults, where this location is more significant, but in infants, it can be difficult to palpate due to the smaller circumference of their wrists.

Thus, the brachial pulse is specifically recognized as the standard site for assessing circulation in infants, particularly in emergency situations like cardiac arrest.