Physiology

Question 1

Rapid bolus of sodium bicarb will cause what metabolic change?

Answer 1

Increase in CO2, ETCO2, and intracranial pressure. Transient decreases in calcium and potassium.

In states of acidosis, the excess hydrogen ions displace calcium bound by albumin and thus ionized levels of calcium increase. This process is reversed in the setting of alkalosis and should be considered before administering sodium bicarbonate to a patient with pre-existing hypocalcemia.