Neonates Theory

Theory in Research

Southern New Hampshire University

Daneen Breitenbach

Nursing 506

Theory in Research

Article Reflection

According to Marchant (2014) in an article entitled "Neonates do not feel pain: A critical review of the evidence," Marchant provides evidence for and against the hypothesis "Neonates do not feel pain." The neonatal nervous system was considered to be underdeveloped and up until 1985, clinicians did not think it was possible for neonates to experience pain. Advances in neonatal research, however, have demonstrated that newborns do in fact experience pain and controlling that pain can have both short and long term benefits. Neonatal pain or discomfort occurs during patient care, moderate, and severe invasive procedures. There is no known direct biological marker of pain, just behavioral and stress-related physiological correlates (Marchant, 2014).

The neonate

Neonates do experience pain and controlling that pain can have both short and long term benefits. Neonatal pain or discomfort occurs during patient care, moderate, and severe invasive procedures and nursing must understand the concept of neonatal pain in order to avoid negative influences over neonatal development, prevent damage as well as enhance quality of care (Marchant, 2014). Dr. Jean Watson 's theory of human caring/Caring Science can also be considered a philosophical and moral/ethical foundation for professional nursing and part of the central focus for nursing at the disciplinary level (Watson, 2016).

Transforming Watson 's carative factors into clinical practice includes conscientiously practicing love and kindness, being authentically present, go beyond self and cultivating own spiritual practices with sensitivity to others, being present and supportive, and creating a healing environment. It is very easy to get caught up the tasks that nursing has become and not take the time to take a breath and slow down and truly be present with your patient and their