Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is a primary characteristic of mongolian spots?

1. They are temporary

2. They resemble bruises

3. They are usually found on light-skinned individuals

4. They are painful

The correct answer is: They resemble bruises

Mongolian spots are primarily characterized by their resemblance to bruises. These spots are actually a form of benign pigmentation that occurs in some infants, particularly those of Asian, Native American, and certain African descent. They appear as flat, blue or blue-gray marks on the skin, often located on the lower back or buttocks, which can indeed make them look similar to bruises. The temporary nature of Mongolian spots is also a noteworthy aspect, as they typically fade and eventually disappear during childhood, but the defining characteristic is their visual resemblance to bruises. They are generally harmless and do not cause pain, and while they can occur in various skin tones, their prevalence is more significant in individuals with darker skin rather than light-skinned individuals. Therefore, the resemblance to bruises is the primary distinguishing feature of Mongolian spots.