1. The problem asks to evaluate $|(-16) + (-4)|^2$. 2. First, simplify inside the absolute value: $(-16) + (-4) = -20$. 3. Next, find the absolute value: $|-20| = 20$. 4. Finally, square the result: $20^2 = 400$. So, $|(-16) + (-4)|^2 = 400$.