Why is sodium bicarbonate prescribed in patients with acute kidney injury?

Sodium bicarbonate is prescribed in patients with acute kidney injury primarily to correct metabolic acidosis. In acute kidney injury, the kidneys' ability to excrete hydrogen ions and produce bicarbonate is impaired, leading to an accumulation of acids in the blood, which causes metabolic acidosis.

By administering sodium bicarbonate, renal function may improve as the bicarbonate helps to buffer the excess acid, restoring the body's acid-base balance. This correction not only provides symptomatic relief but also can be critical in preventing complications associated with severe acidosis, such as cardiac issues.

Other interventions, such as treatment for hypokalemia or promoting urinary output, do not directly relate to the use of sodium bicarbonate in addressing the primary issue of acid-base imbalance caused by the acute kidney injury.