You can check a child's pulse in several key locations where major arteries run close to the skin's surface. Common sites include the wrist, the inside of the elbow or upper arm, the side of the neck, and the groin.
Checking a child's pulse is a vital skill, providing insights into their heart rate. Knowing the correct locations and method ensures you get an accurate reading. While several spots on the body allow you to feel a pulse, some are easier to access and more reliable for checking on a child.
Key Pulse Locations for Children
Here are some of the most common and accessible sites to check a child's pulse:
- Wrist (Radial Pulse): This is a common site for older children and adults. Find the artery on the thumb side of the wrist, just below the base of the thumb.
- Inside of the Elbow / Upper Arm (Brachial Pulse): This is often the preferred site for infants. Locate the pulse on the inside of the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder.
- Side of the Neck (Carotid Pulse): Located on either side of the windpipe. Use caution and check only one side at a time on children. This is less common for routine checks on active children but useful in certain situations.
- Groin (Femoral Pulse): Located in the crease where the leg meets the abdomen. This is a reliable site, especially in infants.
- Top of the Foot (Dorsalis Pedis Pulse) / Behind the Ankle Bone (Posterior Tibial Pulse): These pulses can be found on the top of the foot or behind the inner ankle bone, respectively.
Here's a quick overview of common sites:
| Location | Artery Name | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrist | Radial | Older Children | Thumb side, below base of thumb |
| Inside Elbow | Brachial | Infants, Younger Children | Inside upper arm, above elbow |
| Side of Neck | Carotid | General (Caution) | Side of windpipe; check one side only |
| Groin | Femoral | Infants | Crease where leg meets abdomen |
| Top of Foot | Dorsalis Pedis | General | Top of foot between tendons |
| Behind Ankle Bone | Posterior Tibial | General | Behind inner ankle bone |
How to Accurately Check a Child's Pulse
Once you've chosen a location, follow these steps to get an accurate pulse reading, keeping in mind the techniques described in reference materials:
- Gently press two fingers (don't use your thumb) on the spot until you feel a beat. Using your thumb can lead to inaccurate readings as you might feel your own pulse. Two fingers (like the index and middle finger) provide better sensitivity.
- When you feel the pulse, count the beats for 15 seconds. A shorter counting period like 15 seconds is practical, especially with a squirming child.
- Multiply the number of beats you counted by 4 to get the beats per minute. This calculation scales the count from 15 seconds up to a full minute (15 seconds * 4 = 60 seconds).
For example, if you counted 25 beats in 15 seconds, the heart rate is 25 * 4 = 100 beats per minute (bpm).
Tips for Checking a Child's Pulse
- Ensure the child is calm: Activity, crying, or excitement can significantly increase a child's heart rate. Try to check when they are resting or calm for a baseline reading.
- Practice makes perfect: It can take a little practice to find the pulse, especially on smaller children. Don't get discouraged if you don't find it immediately.
- Don't press too hard: Pressing too firmly can cut off circulation and make the pulse harder to feel. Use gentle pressure.
- Be patient: Children may not sit still for long periods. Choose a time when they are relatively relaxed.
Understanding where and how to check a child's pulse correctly is a valuable skill for monitoring their health and vital signs.
