Which finding would raise suspicion for maltreatment in a toddler?

Which finding would raise suspicion for maltreatment in a toddler?

• A. Bruising in various stages of healing
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Regular routine sleep
• D. Normal appetite

Answer: (A)

Bruising in various stages of healing signals repeated trauma over time, which strongly suggests maltreatment in a toddler. A single bruise can come from an accidental fall, but bruises at different healing stages imply injuries occurred on separate occasions, raising concern for ongoing abuse. The other findings—frequent headaches, regular routine sleep, and normal appetite—can have many non-abuse explanations and do not by themselves indicate maltreatment.

Bruising in various stages of healing signals repeated trauma over time, which strongly suggests maltreatment in a toddler. A single bruise can come from an accidental fall, but bruises at different healing stages imply injuries occurred on separate occasions, raising concern for ongoing abuse. The other findings—frequent headaches, regular routine sleep, and normal appetite—can have many non-abuse explanations and do not by themselves indicate maltreatment.