Which of the following is a sign of esophageal disruption?

A rapid heart rate can be indicative of esophageal disruption due to several physiological responses. When there is an injury to the esophagus, it can lead to significant pain, stress, or trauma that activates the body's sympathetic nervous system response, resulting in tachycardia (an increased heart rate).

Additionally, esophageal disruption can cause complications such as mediastinitis or sepsis if there is leakage of esophageal contents into the surrounding tissue. This can further stimulate the heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for potential circulatory issues and maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs.

The other options could be possible symptoms in various medical conditions but are not specific or directly indicative of esophageal disruption. High body temperature could suggest infection but is not exclusive to esophageal issues. Difficulty walking typically relates to neurological or musculoskeletal problems, and excessive sweating can occur in many different situations and isn't specific to esophageal injuries. Therefore, tachycardia is a more direct and relevant sign associated with esophageal disruption.