What it means
In pain scales for people who cannot speak, such as those with dementia or on ventilators, vocalizations like moaning, groaning or crying are counted as possible signs of pain. In infants, cooing and babbling are vocalizations tracked as language milestones. Some people with dementia make repeated calling-out sounds.
For the nurse
When a client who cannot speak starts moaning or crying out, look for a cause such as pain, a full bladder, hunger or fear before assuming it is part of the disease.
At a glance
| Also written | vocalizations, vocalizing |
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Related terms
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.