A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon an assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the MOST common cause of which acid-base imbalance?

A. Asthma:
Explanation: Asthma is associated with respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. In asthma, there is often hyperventilation leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels.

B. Hyperventilation:
Explanation: Correct. Hyperventilation can cause respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. It leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels.

C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
Explanation: Correct. Conditions like COPD can lead to respiratory acidosis. In COPD, there is impaired ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide.

D. Renal insufficiency:
Explanation: Renal insufficiency is not a direct cause of respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is primarily related to respiratory system dysfunction.

E. Pneumonia:
Explanation: Correct. Pneumonia can cause respiratory acidosis. In pneumonia, there may be difficulty in eliminating carbon dioxide due to impaired gas exchange.

A. Stress has likely caused an increase in the client's blood sugar levels:
This statement is accurate. Stress, especially related to surgery, can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and catecholamines, which can elevate blood sugar levels. Surgery is a physiological stressor that can impact glucose metabolism.

B. The client's volatile fluid balance surrounding surgery has likely caused unstable blood sugars:
This is the most appropriate choice. Surgery, anesthesia, and changes in fluid balance can affect blood glucose levels. The stress response to surgery can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar, and patients may need insulin during this period.

C. The client has likely overstimulated her ability to control her diabetes using non-pharmacologic measures:
This statement is not accurate. Overstimulation is not a common cause of the need for insulin in the context of surgery. The stress and physiological changes associated with surgery are more likely contributors.

D. Alterations in bile metabolism and release have likely caused hyperglycemia:
While alterations in metabolism can impact glucose regulation, in the context of surgery, the primary factors are the stress response, changes in fluid balance, and potential alterations in the ability to eat or drink normally rather than specific effects on bile metabolism.