Which finding would warrant reporting suspicion of child abuse?

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Bruising in areas not over bony prominences signals possible non-accidental trauma. In children, injuries in soft tissue areas such as the abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, ears, or genitals are more likely to raise concern for abuse because these regions are less commonly damaged by ordinary play or falls. When you see bruising in these locations, it’s important to report and document per local protocols, as it warrants further evaluation.

The other findings are more commonly compatible with accidental injury: a single minor scratch can occur during normal exploration or play, a small burn on the ankle could result from a brief, incidental contact with a hot surface, and a small bruise on the forearm often comes from a simple bump or fall. Always assess the whole picture—story consistency, the child’s overall condition, and any patterns or injuries at different healing stages—to determine whether further investigation is needed.