Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

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What is the best site to check for a pulse in an unresponsive 8-year-old child?

Radial artery
Brachial artery
Femoral artery
Carotid artery

The correct answer is: Carotid artery

In an unresponsive 8-year-old child, the best site to check for a pulse is the carotid artery. The carotid arteries are located in the neck and are easier to palpate in cases of extreme situations where a child is unresponsive. When assessing for a pulse, locating a site that is central and has good blood flow is crucial. The carotid artery is typically the most reliable and accessible location in an emergency scenario due to its position and the strength of the pulse. Other arteries, such as the radial, brachial, and femoral, may not provide immediate confirmation of circulation, especially in a child’s altered state where their heart function may not be as readily detectable in the peripheral areas. Thus, checking the carotid pulse allows for a quicker assessment of the child's circulatory status, guiding further intervention if necessary.