What is a sign of mild aspirin overdose?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Tinnitus
• C. Seizures
• D. Severe vomiting

Answer: (B)

In mild aspirin overdose, tinnitus is the most characteristic sign. Salicylates affect the ears (ototoxicity), so ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss often appears early as the dose increases. Along with this, patients may develop rapid breathing from stimulation of the respiratory centers, but the hallmark clue that points to salicylate toxicity at a mild level is tinnitus.

Hypertension isn’t typical in this scenario; you’d more commonly see increased breathing (tachypnea) and possibly other early symptoms like dizziness or nausea. Seizures and severe vomiting tend to reflect more advanced, toxic levels and complications of aspirin overdose rather than a mild presentation.