Question

A 7-year-old boy presents with poor school performance, bruises in various stages of healing and a withdrawn affect. His stepfather reports the child is clumsy. You suspect possible physical abuse. What is your primary legal and professional obligation as a Canadian physician?

Accepted Answer

Report your suspicions to child protection services without delay.

Answer

Discuss your concerns only with the parents and monitor the situation.

Answer

Wait for the child to disclose abuse explicitly before acting.

Answer

Contact the police only if you witness abuse directly.

Answer

Document the findings but take no further action unless injuries worsen.

Practice question

A 7-year-old boy presents with poor school performance, bruises in various stages of healing and a withdrawn affect. His stepfather reports the child is clumsy. You suspect possible physical abuse. What is your primary legal and professional obligation as a Canadian physician?