Pantomimes of pain,distress,repose and lability: the world of the preterm baby

Abstract

■ Little research exists in relation to the world of the preterm baby nursed in moderate- to high-dependency neonatal units

■ A constructivist approach allowed study of the responses of preterm babies to painful stimuli in relation to other patterns of behaviour

■ Heuristic analysis demonstrated four pantomimes: repose, lability, distress and pain

■ Babies used active self-coping strategies to contain pain, distress and lability

■ Babies signalled the need for support with both characteristic hand positions and grosser movements

■ The need for supportive, skilled nursing care and close assessment of behavioural state is indicated

Keywords

Preterm Pantomime Pain Distress Lability Repose Self-coping strategies Hand positions

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