Which of the following is a potential indication of child maltreatment?

Malnutrition is a potential indication of child maltreatment because it suggests that a child is not receiving adequate food or care necessary for their physical and emotional development. When a child exhibits signs of malnutrition, such as significant weight loss, stunted growth, or deficiencies in essential nutrients, it raises concerns about the quality of care they are receiving. This lack of proper nutrition can often be linked to neglect, which is a form of child maltreatment where caregivers fail to provide for a child's basic needs.

In contrast, while an outgoing temperament may indicate a social and confident child, it is not necessarily related to maltreatment. Similarly, marital conflict between parents may contribute to a stressful home environment, but it does not directly imply maltreatment of the child. The parent who asks frequent questions about child care shows a desire to be engaged and informed, which is typically a positive sign and not indicative of maltreatment. Thus, malnutrition stands out as a critical sign that warrants further investigation into the wellbeing of the child.