Which of the following is characteristic of an infant's pain cry?

• A. A sudden onset of loud crying followed by a long initial cry and breath holding
• B. A low-pitched whimper with gradual escalation
• C. A soft, rhythmic cry with regular breathing
• D. A brief, high-pitched cry followed by immediate soothing

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an infant's pain cry is a specific vocalization pattern that signals distress due to pain, which differs from cries related to hunger, discomfort, or other needs.
2. Recognize that pain cries typically have a sudden onset, meaning the infant starts crying abruptly rather than gradually.
3. Note that the pain cry is usually loud and intense, often beginning with a long initial cry that captures attention immediately.
4. Identify that breath holding often accompanies the pain cry, which is a physiological response to pain and distress.
5. Compare these characteristics with the options given to determine which description matches the typical pattern of an infant's pain cry.