Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with metabolic acidosis?

In metabolic acidosis, the body often experiences an increase in potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. This occurs because an increase in hydrogen ions (which is characteristic of acidosis) shifts potassium out of cells into the extracellular fluid to help maintain electrical neutrality. This shift results in elevated serum potassium levels, which can have significant clinical implications, including cardiac disturbances.

The other options don't typically correlate with metabolic acidosis in the same manner. For instance, hypocalcemia is not directly a result of metabolic acidosis and has different causes related to calcium metabolism and regulation. Hypernatremia usually refers to high sodium levels, which is not a recognized consequence of metabolic acidosis, as sodium levels often remain stable unless affected by other factors. Hypokalemia, which describes low potassium levels, is more commonly associated with metabolic alkalosis or conditions that lead to excessive potassium loss. Thus, hyperkalemia is the most appropriate choice as it directly ties to the physiological changes that occur during metabolic acidosis.