Which of the following injuries would most clearly indicate physical child abuse?

Unexplained bruises or fractures in a child are clear indicators of potential physical abuse because they often suggest that the child has experienced trauma that has not been appropriately accounted for. Such injuries can point to violent behavior or excessive discipline that goes beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. When these injuries occur without a logical explanation, it raises significant concerns about the child's safety and the environment in which they are living.

In contrast, a child's claims of unhappiness may arise from a variety of normal emotional responses and do not necessarily indicate abuse. Frequent school absences could stem from many factors, including illness or family issues, rather than direct evidence of abuse. Similarly, a child's negligence in completing homework could be linked to academic challenges or lack of motivation, without indicating any abusive context. Thus, unexplained bruises or fractures are significant markers that require further investigation to ensure the child's well-being and safety.