Published Apr 23, 2011
TigerGalLE, BSN, RN
713 Posts
Has anyone noticed patients becoming hypotensive shortly after pushing bicarb? I know that bicarb is supposed to help acidotic patient's utilize pressors better and therefore show an increase in BP after administration... but I seem the notice a drop in the BP immediately after pushing bicarb and then later I will see a steady climb (sometimes).....
Any thoughts?
Creamsoda, ASN, RN
728 Posts
Ive always noticed the opposite, imediately I usually see a rise in BP, then it may slowly trend back down untill more is pushed, usually these are severly acidotic patients
detroitdano
416 Posts
Yep, this is what I see too. One or two pushes post code are reasonable, anything more you're likely putting off the inevitable.