Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of necrotizing enterocolitis?

Dry skin is not a typical symptom of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) because this condition primarily affects the gastrointestinal system of the newborn. NEC is characterized by inflammation and bacterial invasion of the intestinal tissue, leading to symptoms that are directly related to the digestive system and overall physical distress.

In contrast, feeding intolerance is a core symptom of NEC, as the condition often arises in fragile infants who may not tolerate feedings due to bowel issues. Abdominal wall erythema and tachycardia further indicate the inflammatory response and systemic effects of NEC; the abdominal wall may become reddened due to inflammation, while tachycardia can be a sign of stress or infection as the body reacts to the compromised bowel.

While skin conditions can appear in neonates for various reasons, they are not associated with NEC in the same way that feeding intolerance, abdominal symptoms, and vital sign changes are. Therefore, dry skin does not fit within the typical clinical presentation of necrotizing enterocolitis.