Final answer:
A Subdural hematoma from head trauma is the child abuse injury most likely to cause death or long-term complications, due to the associated increase in intracranial pressure and potential for brain damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The child abuse injury most likely to result in death or long-term sequelae is Subdural hematoma from head trauma (Option B). A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding that occurs inside the skull due to a head injury and can significantly increase intracranial pressure, leading to permanent brain damage or even death. Such injuries are particularly dangerous because they can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI), which involves an acute initial damage phase and a secondary injury phase that includes excitotoxicity, potentially resulting in cell necrosis and neurodegeneration.
The most common causes of head and brain injuries are falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and assaults. Injuries such as embolic stroke from multiple bone fractures or seizures from head and brain trauma are extremely serious as well, but subdural hematomas have a high mortality rate and are more likely to cause both immediate and long-term problems. Factors contributing to the severity of subdural hematomas include the amount of bleeding, the subsequent increase in intracranial pressure, and the potential for brain herniation.