Which of the following is a typical indicator of physical abuse?

• A. Unexplained bruises
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Lack of interest in school
• D. Very cooperative behavior

Answer: (A)

Unexplained bruises are a clear signal that someone may have caused physical harm. When bruises appear without a plausible explanation, or show up in multiple stages of healing or in unusual places, it raises concern for physical abuse because they point to direct injury rather than to other issues. Frequent headaches can stem from many causes, not necessarily abuse. A lack of interest in school can reflect neglect, stress, or other problems, and isn’t a direct sign of physical harm. Very cooperative behavior isn’t a typical marker of physical abuse on its own; it can reflect many dynamics and isn’t Specific to injury.