Which of the following is a non-verbal indicator of possible pain?

Holding the abdomen serves as a significant non-verbal indicator of possible pain because it often suggests discomfort or distress within the abdomen area. When an individual tenses their body or holds a specific area, such as the abdomen, it typically reflects an instinctive response to pain or discomfort. This behavior can be observed across various cultures and is generally recognized as a signal that something is wrong, prompting further inquiry into their condition.

In contrast, the other behaviors listed do not typically correlate with pain. Laughing loudly can indicate joy or amusement rather than distress, maintaining eye contact is more associated with engagement and communication rather than discomfort, and waving hands is a gesture that is often used in conversation or to express excitement, not pain. Thus, holding the abdomen is the most direct non-verbal cue indicating possible pain.