Which of the following assessment data should the school nurse recognize as a sign of physical neglect?

Choice A reason: Poor self-esteem may result from neglect but is not a definitive sign. It can be present in many psychological conditions and requires contextual evaluation. Choice B reason: Frequent absences, apathy, and fatigue are hallmark signs of physical neglect. They suggest unmet basic needs such as nutrition, sleep, and supervision, which are critical indicators for mandated reporting. Choice C reason: Sophisticated sexual knowledge may indicate sexual abuse rather than physical neglect. It is important but not relevant to this specific question. Choice D reason: This choice is unrelated to the context of a school-aged child and appears to be misplaced.