A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with bruising of different colours on his arms and back. His mother says he is clumsy and ofte...

Question

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with bruising of different colours on his arms and back. His mother says he is clumsy and often falls. The injuries are not consistent with the history. He is otherwise stable. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Document the injuries carefully and make an urgent safeguarding referral

Answer

Accept the explanation and discharge with safety-netting advice

Answer

Confront the mother and refuse to let the child go home

Answer

Wait to see if similar injuries occur on future visits before acting

Answer

Only discuss the case at the next departmental meeting

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Child safeguarding – suspected physical abuse

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with bruising of different colours on his arms and back. His mother says he is clumsy and often falls. The injuries are not consistent with the history. He is otherwise stable. What is the most appropriate immediate action?