Which of the following is an element of child abuse?

• A. Intentionally inflicting physical or mental injury
• B. Leaving a child unsupervised for ten minutes
• C. Administering vaccines
• D. Providing proper nutrition

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that child abuse involves harm to a child caused by someone responsible for the child’s welfare, and the element often emphasized is that the harm is intentional or knowingly caused. Deliberately inflicting physical or mental injury clearly satisfies this element, because it shows a purposeful act intended to harm the child.

Leaving a child unsupervised for a short period might raise questions about neglect in some contexts, but it does not by itself demonstrate intentional injury. Administering vaccines is medical care, not abuse, and providing proper nutrition is protective care. Therefore, the statement describing intentional harm best fits the element that defines child abuse.