Review Question - QID 210576

A 27-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with acute onset bloody diarrhea. The patient has had severe abdominal pain throughout her entire life with occasional episodes of bloody diarrhea. She has recently lost 7 pounds and has felt generally ill for the past 2 days. She has a past medical history of generalized seizures with her most recent seizure having occurred 5 days ago. 1 month ago, the patient was treated for impetigo. The patient admits to occasional cocaine use and binge drinking. Her temperature is 98.7°F (37.1°C), blood pressure is 107/58 mmHg, pulse is 127/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. A physical exam is notable for diffuse abdominal tenderness and guaiac-positive stools. Laboratory values are ordered as seen below.

Hemoglobin: 9 g/dL
Hematocrit: 30%
Leukocyte count: 9,400/mm^3 with normal differential
Platelet count: 199,000/mm^3

Serum:
Na+: 139 mEq/L
Cl-: 101 mEq/L
K+: 4.9 mEq/L
HCO3-: 25 mEq/L
BUN: 37 mg/dL
Glucose: 99 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.8 mg/dL
AST: 62 U/L
ALT: 80 U/L
Blood alcohol: .15 g/dL

Urine:
Color: Yellow
Protein: Positive
Cocaine: Positive
Marijuana: Positive

Which of the following is the most appropriate explanation for this patient's laboratory findings?