Question

A 6-year-old boy attends A&E with multiple bruises in different stages of healing over his back and upper arms. His mother says he is ‘just clumsy’. The child becomes tearful and says quietly, ‘Mummy’s boyfriend hits me when he’s angry.’ The mother refuses consent for information to be shared. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately contact children’s social care and follow local safeguarding procedures

Answer

Respect the mother’s wishes and discharge the child with safety advice

Answer

Arrange routine paediatric outpatient follow-up without sharing information

Answer

Ask the boyfriend for his account before taking any further action

Answer

Wait to see if the child re-attends before acting, to avoid over-reacting

Practice question