When assessing a child for potential abuse, which sign is a red flag?

Unexplained bruises are crucial indicators in the assessment for potential child abuse. When evaluating a child's well-being and safety, the presence of bruises or injuries that cannot be adequately explained by a child's typical activities or lack of history provided by caregivers is a significant red flag. These injuries may suggest the possibility of physical abuse or neglect.

It's important to note that normal childhood activities can lead to minor injuries, but bruises that appear in unusual locations or that are recurrent without a reasonable explanation warrant further investigation. This emphasizes the importance of thorough observation and documentation when assessing a child's physical state and ensuring their safety and well-being.

The other choices represent normal childhood behavior and activities that typically do not indicate any risk of abuse. Frequent play dates, interest in sports, and participation in school activities are common aspects of a healthy child's social development and should not be viewed as cautionary signs in the context of potential abuse.