The nurse is caring for a client with intestinal obstruction who presents with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Which pathophysiologic mechanism supports the client's clinical presentation?

A) Multiple organ dysfunction:

Correct. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a widespread inflammatory response to a variety of severe clinical insults, including trauma, infection, burns, or other sources of tissue injury. In the context of trauma from a motor vehicle collision, the body may mount a systemic inflammatory response involving multiple organ systems. This can progress to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), where there is progressive dysfunction of two or more organ systems.

B) Acute kidney injury:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can certainly occur in the context of severe trauma and systemic inflammation, such as in SIRS. However, AKI is a specific manifestation rather than the overarching pathophysiological process associated with the development of SIRS.

C) Intestinal obstruction:

Intestinal obstruction is a mechanical obstruction of the intestines and is not typically associated with the development of SIRS unless there is associated ischemia or perforation leading to systemic inflammation.

D) Sepsis:

Sepsis is a severe infection that has spread throughout the body and triggers a systemic inflammatory response. While sepsis can lead to SIRS, it is not the only cause. In this scenario, trauma from a motor vehicle collision is the primary cause of the systemic inflammatory response, rather than infection.

A. Myocardial infarction one year ago:

A myocardial infarction (MI) that occurred one year ago is not directly related to the current acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While a history of MI may have implications for the client's overall cardiovascular health and management, it is not the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results.

B. Occasional use of antacids:

Occasional use of antacids is unlikely to cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. Antacids primarily work by neutralizing gastric acid and are not typically associated with significant alterations in acid-base status, especially when used intermittently.

C. Chronic renal insufficiency:

Chronic renal insufficiency is the most likely cause of the acid-base imbalance indicated by the laboratory results. A low hemoglobin level suggests anemia, which can occur in chronic kidney disease due to decreased erythropoietin production. An elevated creatinine clearance indicates impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are clearing creatinine at a faster rate than normal. Decreased urine specific gravity suggests the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, which is a common finding in renal insufficiency. Renal insufficiency can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' decreased ability to excrete acid and regulate bicarbonate levels.

D. Shortness of breath with exertion:

Shortness of breath with exertion, a symptom commonly seen in COPD exacerbations, is unlikely to directly cause the acid-base imbalance described in the scenario. While respiratory distress can lead to respiratory acidosis, which is characterized by elevated carbon dioxide levels and decreased pH, the laboratory results indicate metabolic rather than respiratory acidosis.