Which symptoms should be assessed in a child with gastrointestinal distress?

When assessing a child with gastrointestinal distress, abdominal pain and diarrhea are key symptoms to evaluate. These symptoms are directly related to the digestive system and can indicate various issues like infections, food intolerances, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Abdominal pain can manifest differently depending on the underlying condition, such as cramping in cases of gastroenteritis or localized pain in appendicitis. Diarrhea can be a crucial sign of gastrointestinal infection or issues with nutrient absorption, and it may also lead to dehydration, which is a significant concern in pediatric care.

The other symptoms presented in the other choices, such as ear pain and fever, fatigue and muscle weakness, or headache and vision changes, typically relate to different systems or conditions that are not specific to gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, focusing on abdominal pain and diarrhea is essential when assessing gastrointestinal distress in children, as these symptoms can provide insights into the cause and severity of their condition.