RT Book, Section A1 Vanderah, Todd W. A1 Katzung, Bertram G. A2 Vanderah, Todd W. SR Print(0) ID 1204135712 T1 Introduction: The Nature of Drugs & Drug Development & Regulation T2 Katzung’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16th Edition YR 2024 FD 2024 PB McGraw-Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781260463309 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1204135712 RD 2025/02/13 AB CASE STUDYA 78-year-old woman is brought to the hospital because of suspected aspirin overdose. She has taken aspirin for joint pain for many years without incident, but during the past year, she has exhibited signs of cognitive decline. Her caregiver finds her confused, hyperventilating, and vomiting. The caregiver finds an empty bottle of aspirin tablets and calls 9-1-1. In the emergency department, samples of venous and arterial blood are obtained while the airway, breathing, and circulation are evaluated. An intravenous (IV) drip is started, and gastrointestinal decontamination is started. After blood gas results are reported, sodium bicarbonate is administered via the IV. What is the purpose of the sodium bicarbonate?