Consequences of Pain in Infants
Immediate effects
Fear
Irritability
Disturbance of sleep and wakefulness state
Increased oxygen consumption
Ventilation-perfusion mismatch
Diminished nutrient intake
Increased gastric acidity
Short term effects
Impaired emotional bonding
Altered immunological function
Delayed healing
Enhanced catabolism
Long term effects
Alteration in response to subsequent painful experience
Developmental retardation
Memory of pain
(Modified from Mathew and Mathew, 2003)[
31
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