TEN-4-FACESp is a mnemonic used to identify physical abuse in young children. Which area is included in this pattern?

• A. Bruising on torso, ears, neck, frenulum
• B. Hair loss on scalp
• C. Bruising on legs only
• D. Rashes on arms

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing injury patterns that raise suspicion for physical abuse in young children. In kids under 4, bruising on the torso, ears, or neck is particularly concerning because these areas aren’t typically injured by ordinary accidents. The FACESp portion adds mucosal and facial locations, notably the inside-mouth frenulum, as areas where bruising is unlikely from normal play and more suggestive of abusive force. So bruising on the torso, ears, neck, and frenulum fits this pattern and is what TEN-4-FACESp flags. The other options describe findings (hair loss, bruising only on legs, rashes) that don’t align with this mnemonic’s high-risk locations.