Which aspect can CEWs potentially affect, increasing the risk of sudden death?

The correct choice identifies blood chemistry as an aspect potentially influenced by conducted energy weapons (CEWs), such as the Taser 7, which could contribute to an increased risk of sudden death. When a CEW is deployed, it delivers electrical pulses that can lead to alterations in heart rhythm and other physiological processes. These alterations may impact various elements of blood chemistry, including electrolyte levels. Electrolytes play a crucial role in cardiac function, and imbalances can lead to serious conditions like arrhythmias, which may result in sudden cardiac arrest.

In contrast, the other options—sleep patterns, dietary habits, and skin temperature—do not have a direct and immediate connection to the effects of a CEW deployment on mortality risks. Sleep patterns and dietary habits are generally long-term lifestyle factors that might affect overall health but are not acute risks associated with the electrical effects from CEWs. Skin temperature may be influenced by external conditions or body processes, but it doesn't have an immediate impact on the life-threatening cardiac implications that blood chemistry can pose in the context of CEW use. The focus on blood chemistry highlights the critical relationship between the electrical stimulation of a CEW and the physiological responses that could lead to adverse outcomes, including sudden death.