Which symptom would most likely indicate acidosis in a patient?

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Prepare for the LEIK Family Nurse Practitioner Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

An increased respiratory rate is a key symptom that may indicate acidosis, particularly respiratory acidosis, where the body is attempting to compensate for the excess carbon dioxide (CO2) that leads to a drop in blood pH. In conditions of acidosis, the body's response includes hyperventilation as a way to expel CO2 and increase the blood's pH back toward normal levels. This compensatory mechanism is vital in maintaining acid-base balance, reflecting the body's attempt to counteract the acidosis.

Other options, while they may be seen in various conditions, do not specifically correlate with acidosis in the same direct manner. Low blood pressure can occur due to a variety of reasons, including sepsis or dehydration; hyperglycemia is typically related to diabetes and does not directly indicate acidosis; and decreased urination may signal renal failure or dehydration but is not a direct sign of acid-base disturbances. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate is the most consistent and indicative symptom of acidosis among the provided options.

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