A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing pain following a procedure?

The correct answer is Choice A.Choice A rationaleIncreased crying episodes are a common indicator of pain in infants. Crying is a behavioral response to discomfort and can be more intense or frequent when the infant is in pain. This response is due to the activation of the infant’s nervous system, which signals distress through crying.Choice B rationaleDecreased respiratory rate is not typically associated with pain in infants. Pain usually causes an increase in respiratory rate due to the body’s stress response, which involves the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that stimulate the respiratory system.Choice C rationaleDecreased heart rate is also not a common sign of pain in infants. Pain generally leads to an increased heart rate as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.Choice D rationaleIncreased formula consumption is not an indicator of pain. In fact, pain might reduce an infant’s appetite and lead to decreased feeding. Pain can cause discomfort during feeding, leading to fussiness and refusal to eat.