Which statement lists the symptoms of aspirin overdose?

Which statement lists the symptoms of aspirin overdose?

• A. Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, tinnitus, dizziness, and respiratory alkalosis.
• B. Bradycardia and hypotension with metabolic acidosis.
• C. Hyperglycemia and polyuria.
• D. Respiratory depression with hypercapnia.

Answer: (A)

Aspirin overdose, or salicylate toxicity, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, along with central nervous system signs like lethargy and dizziness, and a characteristic respiratory pattern of rapid breathing leading to respiratory alkalosis early in the course. This combination—GI upset, neuro symptoms, tinnitus, dizziness, and respiratory alkalosis—fits the common presentation of salicylate overdose, making it the best answer. In contrast, bradycardia with hypotension and metabolic acidosis isn’t typical of aspirin toxicity; hyperglycemia and polyuria aren’t characteristic, and respiratory depression with hypercapnia is opposite to the early hyperventilation seen with salicylates.

Aspirin overdose, or salicylate toxicity, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, along with central nervous system signs like lethargy and dizziness, and a characteristic respiratory pattern of rapid breathing leading to respiratory alkalosis early in the course. This combination—GI upset, neuro symptoms, tinnitus, dizziness, and respiratory alkalosis—fits the common presentation of salicylate overdose, making it the best answer. In contrast, bradycardia with hypotension and metabolic acidosis isn’t typical of aspirin toxicity; hyperglycemia and polyuria aren’t characteristic, and respiratory depression with hypercapnia is opposite to the early hyperventilation seen with salicylates.