Which agent is used to treat acidosis in an anesthetic emergency?

• A. Induce acidosis
• B. Treat acidosis
• C. Increase coagulation
• D. Cause diuresis

Answer: (B)

In an anesthetic emergency, acidosis undermines cardiovascular performance and the effectiveness of drugs, so the priority is to correct the acid-base disturbance. The usual intervention is to buffer the excess hydrogen ions with a buffering agent such as sodium bicarbonate when metabolic acidosis is present. This helps raise the pH and improve tissue perfusion and heart function, but it must be used judiciously to avoid excessive sodium load and CO2 generation, and it’s most appropriate when the acidosis is metabolic rather than purely respiratory.

If the acidosis stems from hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange (a respiratory cause), the main treatment is to correct ventilation and oxygenation rather than buffering; giving bicarbonate in that context won’t fix the underlying CO2 retention and can cause other issues.

So, addressing acidosis by treating it with a buffering strategy (when indicated) is the correct approach, rather than inducing acidosis, attempting to alter coagulation, or causing diuresis.