Saturday February 13, 1999 - Question 8

The 4-year-old child who ingested tiger oil is placed on a sodium bicarbonate drip.  His urine pH is now 8.2 and his potassium is 3.2 mEq/l.

Which of the following statements regarding urinary alkalinization in the setting of salicylate toxicity is correct?

A. Important lab parameters to monitor include blood gases, serum potassium, serum creatinine, and serum salicylate levels.
 
B. Hyperkalemia may predispose the patient to aciduria.
 
C. Sodium bicarbonate may cause hypercalcemia.
 
D. A urine pH of 7.0 is a good goal for urinary alkalinization.
 
E. Sodium bicarbonate administration should not be a problem for patients with renal impairment.
 

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