Two days after admission for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an older client's arterial blood gas (ABC) indicate an acid base imbalance. The client's laboratory results reveal a low hemoglobin level, an elevated creatinine clearance, and decreased urine specific gravity. Which is the most likely cause for the acid base imbalance?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition characterized by widespread activation of coagulation throughout the body, leading to both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Here's why option C is the correct choice:

A) Glucosuria and lethargy:

Glucosuria (presence of glucose in the urine) and lethargy are not typical findings associated with DIC. Glucosuria may indicate diabetes mellitus or renal dysfunction, while lethargy can result from various causes but is not specific to DIC.

B) Frothy urine and anorexia:

Frothy urine may indicate proteinuria, which can occur in conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, but it is not a characteristic finding of DIC. Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a nonspecific symptom that can occur in many conditions but is not directly related to DIC.

C) Hematuria and hemoptysis:

Correct. Hematuria (blood in the urine) and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) are common manifestations of DIC. In DIC, widespread activation of the coagulation cascade can lead to microthrombi formation in small blood vessels, resulting in tissue ischemia and bleeding. Hematuria and hemoptysis can occur due to bleeding from the urinary tract or respiratory system, respectively, as a result of DIC-induced coagulopathy.

D) Polyuria and productive cough:

Polyuria (excessive urination) and productive cough (cough with production of sputum) are not specific findings of DIC. Polyuria may occur in conditions such as diabetes mellitus or diuretic use, while productive cough can be seen in respiratory infections or chronic lung diseases but is not directly related to DIC.

A) The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction:

While cortisol may play a role in managing allergic reactions by suppressing inflammation, the primary reason for carrying a cortisol kit in Addison's disease is not typically related to managing allergic reactions.

B) Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke:

Hypertensive crisis may occur in some individuals with Addison's disease due to adrenal insufficiency, but the immediate treatment for this would typically involve fluids and intravenous hydrocortisone rather than carrying a cortisol kit for self-administration.

C) Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level:

Cortisol can indeed influence blood glucose levels, but the need to carry a cortisol kit is primarily related to the management of adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia alone.

D) Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone:

Correct. Individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of cortisol and often also lack aldosterone. During times of stress, such as illness, trauma, or surgery, the body's demand for cortisol increases to help cope with the stress. Inadequate cortisol production during stress can lead to adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, carrying a cortisol kit allows the individual to promptly administer additional replacement hormone (usually hydrocortisone) during times of stress to prevent adrenal crisis.