Mr. Jones is undergoing an open lung biopsy in the morning, and the nurse is educating the patient regarding the postoperative period. Which of the following statements should be included in the education?

A. HCO3 (bicarbonate) levels above 26 mEq/L indicate alkalosis, not acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the HCO3 levels would be low as the body attempts to neutralize excess acid.
B. In metabolic acidosis, the pH is expected to be below 7.35 because metabolic acidosis indicates an accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate, which lowers the blood pH.
C. PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) below 70 mm Hg typically indicates hypoxemia, not necessarily metabolic acidosis. The primary concern with metabolic acidosis is the balance of acid-base status, not oxygenation.
D. PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg would suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the body compensates by hyperventilating to blow off CO2 and raise the pH, resulting in a normal or low PaCO2.

A. Cerebral edema is the most dangerous complication associated with the administration of hypotonic fluids in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This occurs because hypotonic fluids cause rapid shifts in fluid and electrolytes, which can lead to swelling of the brain, especially in children. The risk is heightened if fluids are replaced too quickly.
B. Polyuria is a common symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis due to high blood glucose levels and osmotic diuresis, but it is not caused by hypotonic fluid administration.
C. Hypokalemia is a potential risk in DKA but typically arises from the shift of potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space during treatment, especially with insulin administration, not from the use of hypotonic fluids.
D. Metabolic acidosis is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis itself and is caused by the accumulation of ketones. It is not caused by hypotonic fluid replacement.