In a 2-year-old admitted with multiple fractures and bruises, which assessment finding supports suspicion of abuse?

In a 2-year-old admitted with multiple fractures and bruises, which assessment finding supports suspicion of abuse?

• A. Difficulty consoling
• B. Underdevelopment for age
• C. Delayed walking
• D. Normal growth pattern

Answer: (B)

Focusing on the overall picture of safety and ongoing care is key. In a young child, not meeting expected development milestones or being underdeveloped for age suggests chronic neglect or inadequate care, which can accompany abuse. Developmental delays imply the child hasn’t been consistently nurtured, stimulated, or medically supported, raising concern for unsafe conditions at home. Difficulty consoling can occur with distress or pain but isn’t specific to abuse. Delayed walking could be a normal variation or part of a broader delay, and a normal growth pattern argues against neglect in terms of growth alone. The development lag answer best fits the pattern of indicators that point toward potential abuse or neglect in this scenario.

Focusing on the overall picture of safety and ongoing care is key. In a young child, not meeting expected development milestones or being underdeveloped for age suggests chronic neglect or inadequate care, which can accompany abuse. Developmental delays imply the child hasn’t been consistently nurtured, stimulated, or medically supported, raising concern for unsafe conditions at home.

Difficulty consoling can occur with distress or pain but isn’t specific to abuse. Delayed walking could be a normal variation or part of a broader delay, and a normal growth pattern argues against neglect in terms of growth alone. The development lag answer best fits the pattern of indicators that point toward potential abuse or neglect in this scenario.