Which of the following observations is NOT a reason to suspect physical abuse?

• A. A child has a history of frequent accidental injuries in supervised sports activities
• B. A child displays repeated injuries that are inconsistent with the explanation given
• C. A child has bruises in various stages of healing on the torso and upper arms
• D. A child shows signs of fear or flinching when approached by adults

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which is identifying signs that may indicate physical abuse in a child. Physical abuse often leaves observable evidence that is inconsistent with normal accidents or injuries.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option by considering typical indicators of physical abuse. For example, repeated injuries that don't match the explanation, bruises in different healing stages, and fear responses to adults are commonly recognized signs.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the option about frequent accidental injuries during supervised sports activities. Since these injuries occur in a controlled environment and are consistent with the activity, they are less likely to indicate abuse.
4. Step 4: Compare this option with the others, noting that the other observations involve inconsistencies, suspicious injury patterns, or behavioral signs that raise concern for abuse.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the observation about frequent accidental injuries in supervised sports is NOT a reason to suspect physical abuse, as it aligns with expected outcomes of physical activity rather than abuse.