A 4-year-old is admitted with acute leukemia. It will be most important to monitor the child for: A. Abdominal pain and anorexia B. Fatigue and bruising C. Bleeding and pallor D. Petechiae and mucosal ulcers

Acute leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The symptoms of leukemia can vary, but common signs can include fatigue, bruising, and bleeding, among others. It's important to focus on symptoms most related to acute leukemia for proper monitoring and care of the child.

In this step, we will evaluate each option and its relation to acute leukemia. A. Abdominal pain and anorexia: These symptoms could be associated with leukemia, but they are not specific to acute leukemia and may be caused by other conditions or illnesses. B. Fatigue and bruising: Fatigue is a common symptom of leukemia due to the body's reduced ability to supply oxygen to the tissues, while bruising may be related to a decreased number of platelets in the blood. C. Bleeding and pallor: Pallor is a common sign of anemia, which can be caused by a decreased number of red blood cells and is common in leukemia. Bleeding is also a concern in acute leukemia due to the decreased number of platelets, which are needed for blood clotting. D. Petechiae and mucosal ulcers: Petechiae are small, flat, red or purple spots on the skin, which may be caused by a low platelet count, while mucosal ulcers can also be associated with leukemia but are not the most common symptoms to monitor.

Based on our evaluation of each option, the most important symptoms to monitor in a child with acute leukemia are option C: Bleeding and pallor. These symptoms are directly related to the reduced number of red blood cells and platelets in acute leukemia, which makes them the most relevant symptoms to monitor for proper care and treatment.