A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who has shoulder dystocia. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of pain?
Explanation & Rationale
Answer: B. Stiff posture Rationale: A. Lip-smacking : Lip-smacking is not typically an indication of pain in newborns. It may be associated with hunger or neurological responses, but it does not directly indicate discomfort or pain caused by shoulder dystocia or other injuries. B. Stiff posture : A stiff posture can indicate pain in newborns, as they often exhibit hypertonicity or rigidity when experiencing discomfort. This response is a protective mechanism and may suggest the newborn is reacting to pain from potential nerve or tissue damage caused by shoulder dystocia. C. Weak cry : While a weak cry may indicate neurological or respiratory distress, it is not a specific sign of pain. In the context of shoulder dystocia, a weak cry could reflect complications such as brachial plexus injury but does not directly signify the presence of pain. D. Tongue-darting : Tongue-darting is more commonly associated with neurological issues or feeding difficulties rather than pain. It is not a typical behavioral response to discomfort or injury in newborns experiencing complications like shoulder dystocia.