Which combination of injuries would most strongly raise concern for violence or abuse?

• A. Head and trunk injuries
• B. Burns
• C. Lacerations
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The pattern of injuries spanning different body regions and injury types is the clearest signal of potential abuse. When you see head and trunk injuries alongside burns and lacerations, it suggests multiple mechanisms and possibly repeated harm, which is much less likely to result from a single accidental incident. Each injury type can occur by accident, but their combination across the body points toward violence or non-accidental trauma rather than a single mishap. In such cases, the concern for abuse is warranted, and appropriate safeguarding steps should be followed, including careful documentation and reporting as required.