RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A Related

Review RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A related questions and content

What is the most consistent and commonly used indicator of pain in infants?

  • A. Increased respirations
  • B. Increased heart rate
  • C. Thrashing of arms and legs
  • D. Facial expression of discomfort
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Facial expression has consistently been validated as an indicator of pain in infants. Behavioral pain measures are most reliable for sharp procedural pain in infants. Increased heart rate and respirations are indicative of a generalized and complex response to stress, not specific for pain in infants. Thrashing of arms and legs is a reliable indicator in young children, not specifically in infants.