Which of the following is a manifestation of pain in an infant?

In the context of assessing pain in infants, several behaviors and physiological responses can indicate the presence and intensity of pain. Infants are unable to verbally communicate their discomfort, so caregivers must rely on non-verbal cues.

A loud cry is a well-documented and common manifestation of pain in infants. The intensity and pitch of the cry can vary depending on the severity of the pain, making it an important indicator for caregivers to monitor.

Rigid body posture can also signify pain, as infants may tense their muscles and exhibit a stiffened body in response to discomfort. This rigidity may be an instinctive reaction to painful stimuli and can help caregivers identify that the infant is experiencing distress.

Pursed lips may not be as universally recognized as a pain response but can occur when infants are distressed or in pain, indicating discomfort or a desire to soothe themselves.

Recognizing that all these behaviors can be manifestations of pain allows for a comprehensive understanding of how infants express discomfort. Therefore, acknowledging that each of these observable signs contributes to the overall assessment of an infant’s pain level highlights the importance of assessing multiple indicators collectively when determining the presence of pain in an infant.