Which of the following is NOT a sign of possible child abuse?

Identifying signs of child abuse is critical for the safety and welfare of children. A single, severe traumatic event with no apparent reason might raise concern, but it does not automatically indicate abuse. In the context of abuse, signs typically revolve around recurring patterns or inconsistencies that suggest maltreatment over time rather than an isolated incident.

The other options reflect more common indicators associated with child abuse. Multiple bruises in various stages of healing suggest ongoing injury and potential neglect or mistreatment. Injuries that are inconsistent with the stated mechanism of injury can indicate fabrication of the cause, which is a red flag for abuse. Conflicting histories presented by guardians about how an injury occurred can further suggest dishonesty or an attempt to cover up the nature of harm the child has suffered. Each of these signs points more clearly toward potential abuse, whereas a single traumatic event can sometimes occur due to accidents or other non-abusive circumstances.