What symptom indicates the potential development of a Curling’s ulcer in a burn patient?

The presence of occult blood in the stools is a significant symptom that suggests the potential development of a Curling's ulcer in a burn patient. Curling's ulcers are stress-related mucosal disease that can occur in patients who have suffered severe burns or other significant physical stress. These ulcers are characterized by erosion of the gastric or duodenal mucosa leading to bleeding.

When clinicians identify occult blood in the stool, this can indicate that bleeding is taking place in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be due to the formation of ulcers in response to the stress of the burn injury. Early detection of such symptoms allows for prompt intervention and management to prevent further complications.

Other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and sudden weight loss can occur for various reasons in a burn patient and may not specifically indicate the development of Curling's ulcers. Thus, the presence of occult blood in the stools is the most direct clue pointing toward this serious complication.