Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What site is appropriate for obtaining an infant's heart rate during a well-child visit?

1. Apical

2. Radial

3. Carotid

4. Femoral

The correct answer is: Apical

The apical site is the most appropriate choice for obtaining an infant's heart rate during a well-child visit because it provides a reliable and accurate measure of the heart rate in young children. The apical pulse is located at the apex of the heart, which is best assessed by placing a stethoscope over the left chest, typically at the fourth or fifth intercostal space along the midclavicular line. This method allows for listening directly to the heart sounds, ensuring that the measurement captures the rapid heartbeat of an infant accurately. In contrast, the radial pulse, located at the wrist, may be difficult to palpate in infants due to their smaller size and the fact that their circulatory systems are still developing. The carotid pulse, while accessible in older children and adults, is considered less suitable for infants during routine examinations. Finally, while the femoral pulse can be palpated in infants, it is not commonly used for routine heart rate assessment during well-child visits due to accessibility issues and the emphasis on more direct methods like the apical pulse. Therefore, using the apical site is aligned with best practice for accurate heart rate evaluation in infants.