Which of the following is a common symptom of intussusception?

Currant jelly stool is a classic symptom associated with intussusception, particularly in pediatric patients. This phenomenon occurs due to the combination of intestinal obstruction and the subsequent bleeding that arises from the involved segments of the bowel. When a portion of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, it can lead to ischemia and potentially necrosis of the bowel affected. As a result, blood mixes with mucus produced by the intestinal lining, leading to the characteristic appearance of the stool.

Recognizing this symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of intussusception since it can lead to severe complications if untreated. The presence of currant jelly stool, along with other signs such as intermittent abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass, should raise suspicion for this condition, prompting further investigation through imaging studies.