Final answer:
Infants show pain through facial grimacing and crying, which are direct indicators of discomfort. These are assessed using the Apgar score, a quick method to evaluate newborn well-being that encompasses criteria like appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. Therefore, the correct option is d.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a newborn for pain, the manifestation that indicates an infant is in pain is D) Facial grimacing and crying. The Apgar score is a quick method used to assess the general wellbeing of a newborn soon after birth, using five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. Apgar scoring allows healthcare professionals to detect babies in distress and those who have made a smooth transition from the womb. Facial grimacing falls under the 'grimace' criterion, which reflects a baby’s reflex response to stimulation, and crying is an instinctive behavior indicating discomfort or pain.
The Apgar score importantly reflects a newborn's heart rate and respiration, both critical factors in evaluating the newborn's immediate health status. While the Apgar score considers various physiological signs to assess newborns' overall condition shortly after birth, individual responses such as facial grimacing and crying are direct indicators of a neonate's discomfort or pain, eliciting immediate attention from caregivers.