Signs of Child Abuse in Preschoolers

In this medical scenario, a nurse in the emergency department is assessing a preschooler with abdominal pain. We need to identify which findings are red flags for potential child abuse. This is a select all that apply question.

Let's evaluate the first option regarding round burn marks on the forearms.

Circular or round burns, especially on the arms, are highly suspicious for cigarette burns. Unlike accidental burns, these are often uniform and located in protected areas. This is a significant alert for abuse.

Next, we have abdominal rebound tenderness.

While the child reported abdominal pain, rebound tenderness is a clinical sign of peritoneal irritation, often seen in conditions like appendicitis. While serious, it is a medical finding rather than a specific indicator of abuse.

The third option mentions areas of ecchymosis, or bruising, on the torso.