The nurse is caring for a patient who has taken an overdose of aspirin several hours prior. The provider orders sodium bicarbonate to be given. The nurse understands that this drug is given for which purpose?
a. To counter the toxic effects of the aspirin
b. To decrease the half-life of the aspirin
c. To increase the excretion of the aspirin
d. To neutralize the acid of the aspirin
ANS: C
Aspirin is a weak acid and is more readily excreted in alkaline urine. Sodium bicarbonate alkalizes the urine. It does not act as an antidote to aspirin, decrease the half-life, or neutralize its pH.
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