What clinical symptom would you expect in a child with Kwashiorkor?

In a child with Kwashiorkor, one would commonly expect peeling skin as a clinical symptom. Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition resulting primarily from a deficiency of protein in the diet, despite an adequate caloric intake. This condition predominantly affects younger children who are weaned from breastfeeding and do not receive sufficient protein from their diet.

Peeling skin occurs due to the lack of essential nutrients that are vital for skin integrity and maintenance. In particular, protein deficiency can lead to impaired synthesis of proteins crucial for skin structure, resulting in skin changes that include peeling and flaking. Children with Kwashiorkor may also present with edema, stagnation of growth, irritability, and a distended abdomen, further underscoring the impact of malnutrition on overall health.

While the other options might relate to various states of dehydration or metabolic disorders, they do not align with the classic presentation of Kwashiorkor. Peeling skin specifically highlights one of the hallmark dermatological features observed in this condition, making it the most pertinent clinical symptom expected in a child with Kwashiorkor.