Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a 'red flag' in assessing child injury?

1. Injuries in non-protected body areas

2. Extensive bruising indicating trauma

3. Consistent story that fits the injury

4. Response from the child being calm

The correct answer is: Extensive bruising indicating trauma

Extensive bruising indicating trauma is indeed classified as a 'red flag' in assessing child injury. This is because bruising, especially when it's widespread or concentrated in locations that are not typically prone to accidental injury, can suggest potential abuse or neglect situations. Such indicators raise concerns about the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries and warrant further investigation. When evaluating child injuries, the pattern, extent, and specific locations of bruising are crucial. For instance, bruises in areas covered by clothing or on the arms and legs, where children might sustain accidental injuries during play, can be more commonplace and may not raise immediate concerns. However, if bruising is extensive and signifies more severe trauma, it may suggest that the child has been subjected to harmful situations. Therefore, identifying extensive bruising can be a critical part of assessing potential risks to a child’s safety and well-being. Some other options present scenarios that do not typically signify concern. For example, injuries in non-protected body areas or a child's calm response are not definitive indicators of abuse on their own and may not necessarily align with the definitions of red flags in child injury assessments. Additionally, a consistent story that fits the injury could suggest a legitimate explanation instead of raising concerns about abuse. Thus, the