Final answer:
Children with kwashiorkor develop edema due to low serum protein levels, resulting in an osmotic imbalance that causes fluid to accumulate in tissue. The correct answer to the student's question is 'b. protein'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children with kwashiorkor, a severe form of malnutrition caused by inadequate protein intake, often present with a characteristic symptom of edema. This edema, or swelling, is particularly evident in the ankles, feet, and abdomen. A key factor in the development of kwashiorkor and its associated edema is low serum protein, specifically a condition known as hypoalbuminemia. Due to low protein levels, there is an osmotic imbalance, hindering tissue fluids from being adequately returned to the bloodstream, which in turn causes fluid buildup in bodily tissues.
The correct answer to the question is 'b. protein', as children with kwashiorkor have edema and fluid volume excess caused by low serum protein. This protein deficiency arises when there is insufficient protein in the diet to supply the necessary amino acids for cellular growth and repair, leading to various health issues, including hypoalbuminemia and subsequently edema.