A 9-month-old infant presents with fever and irritability. The nurse notices the infant repeatedly pulls at the right ear, arches the back when touched, and grimaces during diaper changes. Which assessment BEST guides the nurse's interpretation of the infant's pain?

Behavioral cues, posture, and expressions help infer pain location and intensity.

Only physiological indicators reliably determine the presence and location of pain.

The infant's behaviors show generated distress: cannot locate pain without verbalization.

The infant's behaviors are exaggerated due to caregiver anxiety and attention-seeking.