Review Question - QID 213208

A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department with loss of consciousness. The patient was brought in 20 minutes ago by the supervisor at a homeless shelter who found him passed out next to a bottle of acetaminophen. The patient has a past medical history of HIV, hepatitis C, IV drug abuse, alcohol abuse, suicide attempt, and constipation. He takes methadone daily but is notably non-compliant with his anti-retroviral therapy. His temperature is 104°F (40°C), blood pressure is 85/40 mmHg, pulse is 180/min, respirations are 18/min, and oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. The patient is started on IV fluids, N-acetylcysteine, and 100% oxygen. Blood cultures are obtained, and lab work is sent off. The patient is then started on broad spectrum antibiotics and given norepinephrine. Repeat vitals demonstrate hypotension and tachycardia. Serum toxicology returns and is positive for alcohol. The patient is transferred to the medicine floor and managed further. Two days later, the patient's vitals have improved. Repeat lab values are ordered and return as follows:

Hemoglobin: 11 g/dL
Hematocrit: 30%
Leukocyte count: 6,500 cells/mm^3 with normal differential
Platelet count: 245,000/mm^3

Serum:
Na+: 138 mEq/L
Cl-: 100 mEq/L
K+: 4.1 mEq/L
HCO3-: 22 mEq/L
BUN: 30 mg/dL
Glucose: 145 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL
Ca2+: 9.6 mg/dL
AST: 1,440 U/L
ALT: 1,350 U/L

Which of the following is the best explanation for this patient’s laboratory abnormalities?