An infant is unresponsive and gasping for breath. Prior to starting CPR, which site should the nurse palpate for a pulse?

A. Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line: Palpating the left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line is not appropriate for assessing pulse in an unresponsive infant. This location is typically used for cardiac auscultation and not for pulse assessment. B. Right carotid area: Palpating the carotid artery is not recommended in infants due to the risk of causing injury to the delicate structures of the neck, including the airway and blood vessels. C. Over the brachial artery: The brachial artery is the preferred site for assessing pulse in infants. It is located in the inner aspect of the upper arm and can be easily palpated. In an unresponsive infant, the brachial pulse should be assessed before initiating CPR. D. Over the sternum: Palpating over the sternum is not an appropriate site for pulse assessment in infants. The sternum is a bone and does not contain any major arteries suitable for pulse palpation.