What are the indications for sodium bicarbonate?

Study for the HFHS Inpatient Nursing Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Sodium bicarbonate is primarily indicated for the treatment of metabolic acidosis and for urinary alkalinization. In metabolic acidosis, the body has an excess of acid or a deficit of bicarbonate, leading to a decrease in blood pH. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffering agent, helping to neutralize the acidity and restore the normal pH levels in the blood.

Additionally, it is used for urinary alkalinization, which involves increasing the pH of urine. This can help in certain conditions, such as the treatment of specific drug overdoses (e.g., salicylate toxicity) or urinary tract infections where a more alkaline environment in the urine can facilitate better elimination of certain substances.

The other potential options provided do not align with the primary actions and indications of sodium bicarbonate. For instance, hypercalcemia and dehydration do not relate to the use of sodium bicarbonate; rather, they would require different treatment approaches. Similarly, hypertension and edema do not respond to sodium bicarbonate, as they are managed through other classes of medications. Lastly, hypomagnesemia and constipation are also unrelated to sodium bicarbonate’s mechanism and indications, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific therapeutic uses of medications in clinical practice.

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