In a neonate experiencing pain, an expected physiologic response is an increase in blood pressure, indicating what?

In a neonate experiencing pain, an expected physiologic response is an increase in blood pressure, indicating what?

• A. A stress response to acute pain.
• B. Dehydration.
• C. Improved sleep.
• D. A sign of infection.

Answer: (A)

Pain in a neonate activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing release of catecholamines that lead to vasoconstriction and higher cardiac output, which raises blood pressure. This rise in BP reflects the body’s stress reaction to a painful, noxious stimulus and is an expected physiologic response in newborns. Dehydration reduces circulating volume and tends to lower BP; improved sleep generally reduces autonomic arousal; infection can cause fever and other signs but does not specifically explain an acute pain-driven increase in blood pressure.

Pain in a neonate activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing release of catecholamines that lead to vasoconstriction and higher cardiac output, which raises blood pressure. This rise in BP reflects the body’s stress reaction to a painful, noxious stimulus and is an expected physiologic response in newborns. Dehydration reduces circulating volume and tends to lower BP; improved sleep generally reduces autonomic arousal; infection can cause fever and other signs but does not specifically explain an acute pain-driven increase in blood pressure.