How do you check for breathing and pulse on an infant?

To assess an infant's breathing and pulse, the correct approach is to open the airway to a neutral position and check for both breathing and the brachial pulse. This method is crucial for ensuring that the infant's airway is properly aligned for optimal ventilation while simultaneously evaluating their breathing and circulation.

Opening the airway to a neutral position helps to prevent any obstruction caused by the tongue or other soft tissues. It allows you to effectively determine if the infant is breathing by observing the rise and fall of the chest or feeling for breath on your cheek.

Checking for the brachial pulse, located in the upper arm, is appropriate for infants. This pulse point is accessible and can be easily palpated, making it a suitable choice for checking circulatory status. Using the brachial pulse is especially important since the carotid pulse is generally more challenging to locate in infants due to their smaller size.

While the other options may suggest alternate positions or pulse points, they do not align with the best practices for infant assessment in this context. The combination of ensuring proper airway positioning and checking for breathing and the brachial pulse provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating an infant in a critical situation.