The patient has overdosed on aspirin. In the emergency department, the physician orders sodium bicarbonate. A family member says to the nurse, "I thought that was for stomach ulcers." What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "It will prevent excessive bleeding from the stomach."
2. "It will change the pH of the blood to neutralize the aspirin."
3. "It will change the urine so the kidneys can get rid of the aspirin quickly."
4. "It will help the liver break down the aspirin more quickly."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate makes the urine more basic, which aids in the renal excretion of acidic drugs such as aspirin. Sodium bicarbonate is not given to prevent bleeding when a patient has overdosed on aspirin. Sodium bicarbonate is not given to neutralize blood pH when a patient has overdosed on aspirin. Sodium bicarbonate is not given to enhance liver enzymes when a patient has overdosed on aspirin.
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