Which of the following is an associated symptom of DKA?

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes, typically associated with type 1 diabetes, where the body does not have enough insulin to utilize glucose, leading to the production of ketones and acidosis. One of the associated symptoms of DKA is shortness of breath, which can occur due to metabolic acidosis and the body’s compensatory response to increase ventilation in order to blow off carbon dioxide and normalize blood pH levels.

In DKA, patients may develop Kussmaul respirations, which are deep, labored breaths that represent an effort to counteract the acidosis. This respiratory compensation reflects the body's attempt to correct the pH imbalance and can manifest as a feeling of shortness of breath.

The other options do not typically align with the symptoms seen in DKA. Increased appetite, excessive sweating, and weight gain are not characteristic of this condition. In fact, patients with DKA usually experience decreased appetite, signs of dehydration, and often weight loss due to the catabolic state caused by the lack of insulin and the resultant breakdown of fats and proteins for energy.