The nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic alkalosis. What will the nurse recognize as the common cause of this acid-base imbalance?

Choice A reason: Notifying the blood bank of the suspected transfusion reaction is important, but maintaining the IV access with normal saline infusion takes priority to ensure that the patient remains stable and to prevent any further complications.

Choice B reason: Maintaining IV access with normal saline infusion is the first priority. This action helps to keep the vein open, provide fluids, and flush out any remaining blood product from the IV line, reducing the risk of further reaction.

Choice C reason: Facilitating the transfer of the patient to the critical care unit may be necessary if the patient's condition worsens, but it is not the immediate first step.

Choice D reason: Rechecking identification labels and numbers is important to confirm the correct blood product was given, but it comes after ensuring the patient’s stability by maintaining IV access with saline.

Choice A reason: Ketoacidosis is not a typical complication of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) treatment. HHS usually occurs without significant ketoacidosis, and the focus is on managing hyperglycemia and dehydration.

Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema is a potential complication of rapid fluid replacement therapy. The increased fluid volume can overwhelm the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Choice C reason: Atelectasis is not a common complication of HHS treatment. It is more related to lung collapse or infection rather than fluid or insulin therapy.

Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is a potential complication of continuous insulin infusion. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low during treatment.

Choice E reason: Hypokalemia is a potential complication of insulin therapy. Insulin promotes the uptake of potassium into cells, which can reduce serum potassium levels. Monitoring and managing potassium levels is important during HHS treatment.